Dialysis – Coping with Depression with Kidney Failure

When Angela Davis heard the news from her doctor about kidney failure, she knew it was serious. She understood the need for regular dialysis treatments and major changes to her diet and lifestyle habits. But she didn't anticipate that the impact of going on dialysis would have a huge effect on her mental health.

She became more isolated, lost touch with friends, and developed depression. Managing kidney failure and a slew of medical appointments is hard enough. Mix in other health problems, negative side effects of dialysis treatments, and depression, and it's even more difficult to feel optimistic about anything.

But it doesn't have to be like that. Davis recognized that she isn't the only person on dialysis to feel this way. And she wanted to do something about it. So she founded the non-profit organization, For Kidney's Sake, to coordinate meet-ups and social activities for people on dialysis and encourage centers to recognize the need for mental health counseling and support for those on dialysis.

It's a step in the right direction to improve overall health and patient care for those on dialysis. If you're receiving dialysis treatments, you know making changes to your diet is a huge part of managing your condition. And it might even mean giving up foods you once loved to enjoy.

Fortunately, there are still a wide variety of foods and meals you can have when you're on dialysis. Just check out the selection of Dialysis-Friendly meals. Take a look. Lots of healthy and delicious meals to choose from that fit the guidelines for your diet when you're on dialysis. There are even snacks like chips and crisp snacks on the list. Just the thing you need to host a party, invite your friends over, and tell them the food is on you.