Mental health and IgA Nephropathy

Having a chronic disease like IgA nephropathy can increase your risk of developing a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression,² so it’s valuable to be able to recognise the signs at an early stage and seek support if it’s needed. Speak to your doctor if you’re:⁵

Feeling sad, anxious or empty most of the time
Feeling irritable, easily frustrated or restless
Less interested in hobbies and activities that you usually enjoy
Having trouble sleeping, such as waking up very early, oversleeping or struggling to fall asleep or to stay asleep
Noticing changes in your appetite or weight
Having thoughts of death or suicide

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings and worry that you may act on them, please contact your local emergency services immediately.

You can also talk to someone you trust. Letting family or friends know what's going on for you allows them to offer support and help keep you safe.

What to do if you’re struggling with your mental health

It’s not your fault if you’re struggling with your mental health, and you don’t have to deal with it alone. There are sources of support available to help you come to terms with your condition and live well with IgA nephropathy.⁵ You could try speaking with:

A close friend, partner or family member⁶
Speaking with someone who knows you well and who you can trust can deepen your relationship and bring you closer together.
Your doctor⁶ 
Your doctor will be aware of the mental health impact of IgA nephropathy and be able to offer help, advice and refer you to specialist sources of support if needed.
A counsellor or therapist⁶ 
Whether you’re referred by your doctor, self-referred or a private patient, speaking with a counsellor or therapist can help you process how you’re feeling. Sessions can be conducted in person, remotely or over the phone to suit your needs. Speak to your doctor if you wish to be referred.
Someone anonymous⁷
There are telephone helplines offering anonymous, non-judgemental listening for people who prefer to share with people they don’t know.
Other patients⁶ 
Speaking with people who share the same experiences can be validating and remind you that you’re not alone. You can look for online patient support groups or face-to-face meetings of groups in your region.
Charities that support people with kidney diseases and rare diseases⁶
Health charities offer various types of support for patients. Look online to find out more about the services on offer.

There are ways you can help empower yourself alongside the support you receive from other people.⁸ Although these suggestions won’t replace advice from a healthcare professional, they may still be a helpful starting point.

Learning about IgA nephropathy

Being diagnosed with a chronic condition can make you feel like you’ve lost control over your body and life.³ This can be scary, but learning as much as we can about our condition can help us regain a sense of control.⁹ This can help you take an active role in your care and treatment decisions.⁹

Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation can help you cope with negative emotions by paying attention to the present moment and your own thoughts and feelings.¹⁰ We can quickly become overwhelmed by what is going on around us.¹⁰ Being fully aware of our feelings can help us notice – and let go of – unhealthy patterns before they start to control us.¹⁰

Practising mindfulness meditation regularly can reduce stress, anxiety and depression.¹⁰ It doesn’t need to take up much time; you can do it in short five-minute sessions.¹⁰ It can be done while seated, walking or standing, and can often be combined with other activities, such as yoga or sports.¹¹

You can find free mindfulness meditation podcasts online or on mobile apps.

Keeping a journal

Putting your thoughts and feelings down on paper by keeping a journal can help you gain control of your feelings and achieve a sense of clarity.¹² It can be a useful strategy to help you prioritise your problems, fears, and concerns.¹² Tracking how you are feeling regularly can also help you recognise what triggers your negative feelings, so you can learn how to control them more effectively.¹² It’s not just about focusing on negative thoughts; you can also use it to keep track of all the good things in your life.¹²

You don’t need much to get started.¹² Just grab a pen and paper or use your computer or phone if you prefer.¹² Set aside a few minutes on a regular basis to write or draw whatever feels right.¹² It’s completely up to you whether you’d like to share it with others or not.¹²

Exercise

It’s no secret that regular movement can help improve your mental health by increasing your energy levels and boosting your mood.^13,14Whether you exercised regularly before your diagnosis or are planning to give it a try for the first time, exercise can really help when it comes to feeling good.^13,14 Whether it’s walking with a friend, dancing at home to your favourite music or a restorative yoga class, it all counts.¹³

For many people, exercising regularly helps ease depression and anxiety and gives them a sense of control over their body.¹⁵ Find an activity that you enjoy doing on a regular basis and that fits easily into your everyday routine. And remember, gentle exercise for 5 minutes a day is better than no exercise at all.¹⁶

To boost your motivation, it can be helpful to set yourself small goals or challenges at first. For example, you might consider using a fitness tracker to track your daily step count or simply setting a goal, such as walking for at least 20 minutes each day.¹⁵ And remember not to push yourself too hard: listen to your body and check in with your healthcare team to make sure your routine is safe and suitable for your fitness level.¹⁵

To find out about the physical benefits of exercise, click here.

Work and your mental health

It’s understandable to feel nervous about sharing your condition with your colleagues or employer. Always remember that the choice to disclose it is yours alone. If you do decide to go ahead with it, make sure you know your legal rights. Your employer may be required to protect your confidentiality by law and might need to provide reasonable adjustments to support you at work.¹⁷

Studying and your mental health

If you’re at school, college or university, you find might that your symptoms affect your ability to study or take exams.¹⁸ It could help to talk to your personal tutor to find out what support your institution can offer.¹⁸

IgA NEPHROPATHY
AND MENTAL HEALTH