Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is an important part of your overall health. Mental wellness comes from feeling balanced, connected to others and ready to meet life’s challenges. Mental wellness is affected by our life experiences and daily activities.
Source: BC Government
Persons living with kidney disease often face higher levels of anxiety and depression. For more information on kidney patients and their mental health, you can view our Ask the Expert video, with Psychologist, Dr. Moon. Additional resources to support your mental wellbeing can be found in our Resources section.
In a recent survey conducted by the Kidney Foundation, kidney patients and caregivers acknowledged feelings of increased emotional stress and isolation and asked for online wellness resources to help support their overall health and wellbeing.
In this section of the Kidney Wellness Hub, we’ve put together some resources and tools to help you boost your mental wellbeing. You can learn more below. We are also very excited to include a special Kidney Wellness Coaching pilot initiative with free coaching sessions for a select number of kidney patients and caregivers to help support you on your wellness journey. Of course, eating well, and staying active are key to maintaining and improving your mental health and wellbeing. Also, be sure to check out our online Peer Engagement Groups and One-to-One Peer Mentoring, in our Socially Connecting section, as connecting with others with shared lived experiences can go a long way to boosting one’s mental health and wellbeing. There are many ways to help manage stress in a healthy way. Try our stress busters for quick tips to help you relax your body and mind. You can also try some of the other classes right here on the Kidney Wellness Hub like Mindful Relaxation, Music Therapy, or Sleeping Well to help you manage stress.
Important: the information found on this site is not medical advice, nor is it intended to replace the advice from your health care provider.
Boost Your Mental Wellbeing
We can do lots of small things each day to help alleviate stress or boost our mental health, such as meditation, enjoying nature, connecting with others, cuddling a pet, and laughing out loud. You probably practice many of these already or have your own list of go-to stress busters. Of course, as we know, not all stress is bad stress, and understanding the difference can be important. To learn more, check out our on-demand videos below including a meditation series, breathing exercises and techniques on how to build more laughter in our lives and why this is important. We will also be offering a special stress management session, an assisted relaxation music therapy webcast, and our highly anticipated Kidney Wellness Coaching pilot sessions. These are just a few of the resources below to boost your Mental Wellbeing. And remember what Martin Luther King said: “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step”.
To view the videos below, click on the various links and you will be taken to our Kidney Wellness Hub YouTube Channel. Be sure to like and subscribe while you are there. At the end of each video, there is also an opportunity to complete a short survey. We would so appreciate your feedback as it helps us build content that is valuable to you.
Improve Mental Wellbeing
Answers to Common Questions
Psychologist, Dr. Emily Moon explains how kidney patients are impacted by mental health challenges. She also explains:
How common mental health issues are among kidney patients
How to tell the difference between a normal reaction to stress and a mental health issue
Some common tips to help boost mental health
What supports, treatments and resources are available
Dr. Emily Moon answers common questions about mental wellbeing for kidney patients.
Mental Wellbeing Classes and Opportunities
Kidney wellness coaching can improve both physical and mental health through sustainable lifestyle changes, and to support the kidney community, the Kidney Wellness Hub is pleased to provide up to three sessions with coach Francine (bio below). In Canada, wellness coaching can range from $50-$200 an hour, but the Wellness Hub is offering free sessions with cost coverage by the Kidney Foundation and partners.
Clinical trials and studies show wellness coaching can have a significant impact on reducing risk factor behaviours and increasing healthy lifestyle choices for those with chronic disease. Results also show these changes improve quality of life through increased self-efficacy, a decrease in perceived stress levels, and lowered depression symptoms*. Patients, care givers and living donors are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
Details on how to schedule an introductory consultation will be sent via email.