Questions to Ask & Resources to Help
Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real and treatable.
You probably have lot of questions about IgA Nephropathy, how to manage it and keep track your kidney health, blood pressure and other health markers. Don’t be shy about asking questions about coping and dealing with the emotions that can come with having IgA Nephropathy.
For example, it might help put your mind at ease to ask about and better understand when and how often your kidney function will be checked so that you feel confident it’s being closely monitored. Ask what to do if you feel depressed or alone in your journey, or how to deal with the burden it may have on your family and other relationships.
The answers to many of these questions may allay fears and help you focus on what you can do to manage the condition.
Other questions might include:
- I’m feeling overwhelmed. What steps can I take to keep my IgA Nephropathy from getting worse? Which should I work on first?
- How and when will we test my kidney function?
- What symptoms should I watch for in-between visits? When should I call you?
- Are there other people with IgA Nephropathy and my stage of kidney disease who I can talk to?
- What can I do to lower my anxiety and/or get better sleep?
- How can I explain IgA Nephropathy to other people so they understand what I am facing and why I may look healthy, but sometimes not feel well or up to doing much?
- Could I benefit from seeing a mental health professional? Is there one you’d recommend for me?
- Are the things that I am eating making my kidneys worse?
- How do I best prepare myself for dialysis or a kidney transplant? How will these procedures affect what I can and can’t do?
Additional resources
Take a mental health test
https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/
Learn mindfulness techniques
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000874.htm
Find a mental health professional near you
First, ask your primary care or nephrology office if they recommend someone as they know you best. The American Psychological Association and Psychology Today also have an online tool to search for a mental health professional by type and location.
www.pyschologytoday.com/us/therapist
In a Crisis?
If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide – even if the feeling comes and goes – tell someone who can help or dial 911 in an emergency.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24/7
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988 from your smartphone
- Text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741)
Knowing that I’m in control helps; the disease is going to to what it wants, but if I stay informed, do what I’m supposed to, with lifestyle changes and medicine, and follow my health measures and lab results, that keeps me in a good places mentally.
