Talking to others
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Discussing Kidney Disease
Not everyone knows what it’s like to have a chronic disease.
Here you can share information and promote understanding from those around you. By doing that, it enables you to build support networks that can help with your overall wellbeing.
Explore the practical tips below to build confidence in talking about kidney disease to others. Find sources of peer support and learn how to seek help when needed.
The Benefits of Discussing Kidney Disease
The more you can explain kidney disease, the more people will gain understanding of the disease. Talk about what it is, how it affects you and what is needed in terms of support
The more the people around you understand your condition and what’s required to manage it, the more they can step up and provide support as and when you need it.
Managing a lifelong condition on your own while maintaining other components of your life can be incredibly stressful – it’s ok to ask for help so you can try and find a balance. As you lower stress your levels, it can be easier to discuss the disease.
Depression and anxiety often means you don’t feel like talking to others. This can make isolation worse – talking to others can improve mental wellbeing and help you feel less alone.
Talking about kidney disease not only increases awareness but also normalises the condition in others’ eyes. In turn, you feel more confident and comfortable talking about your condition. This helps you say ‘no’ or ask for help when needed.
Talking to Family, Friends and Colleagues
Kidney disease can cause a great deal of stress in families – rules can change, routines can be disrupted and roles may change.
Maintaining relationships is very important even if you don’t feel your best. At first, you may feel detached as you come to terms with your diagnosis. Fatigue may also make it difficult to make time for those relationships.
A lack of understanding about what you’re going through can cause you to become angry. Your friends and family may experience a sense of helplessness in understanding the best support to provide you.
The best way to deal with this is to talk openly with your family and those closest to you about how you feel – even those closest to you can’t read your mind. An open conversation can lead to better understanding on both sides.
Remember your partner is part of your health care team.
They may also have concerns and questions so make sure to have them attend some of your health care visits so they feel better equipped to support you. You need to support each other physically and emotionally. A partner’s caring support can help you to stay positive and confident.
Children sense when someone in the family has a problem.
As a role model, they look to you to know how to react and deal with a problem. If your children ask questions about your health condition, you need to give them as much information as you think they will understand. Children worry about you if they are ‘left in the dark’ so it is important to answer their questions honestly and simply.
Some people like to share their problems and concerns with close friends who can provide support and understanding. This can extend your network of support and ability to participate more fully in life.
Some people also don’t feel comfortable talking to friends about their health in case they ask lots of questions or act differently. Some friends may find it difficult to know how to treat you when you have an illness.
They may stop calling because they are worried about upsetting you by asking how things are going. Telling friends is a decision that only you can make but it may help them to understand the changes you are going through.
Everybody needs support, connect with the Kidney Community to find yours.
Explore the different groups or sign up for the Kidney Buddy Program, where you can talk to someone who’s walked in your shoes, whether you’re living with kidney disease or supporting someone who is.
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