Your Emotional Health While on Dialysis
Your Emotional Health While on DialysisThe Importance of Getting Support
One way to thrive on dialysis—whichever type you choose—is by reaching out to people who can encourage you. Getting support from family, friends or treatment team members, like your social worker or nurse, is essential to crafting a balanced, fulfilling life on dialysis.
How to build your own dialysis support group
Calling all family and friendsWho should be included in your dialysis support network? Really, anyone close to you. Make a group contact list, keep it updated and get comfortable talking about dialysis with them.
Talk, talk, talk—and don’t forget to listen
Tell your family and caregivers how you feel—and ask how they’re feeling too! Good communication is a two-way street.
Any news is worth sharingShifts in your dialysis treatment can impact everyone. Be sure to tell your family and treatment team about any changes to your routine—even if it seems small at the time.
Treat your social worker like a partnerYour social worker can collaborate closely with you, your family and any other caregivers to help guide your dialysis journey. Involving her or him from the start gives everyone a chance to get comfortable working together.
The more everyone knows, the betterGetting informed about chronic kidney disease and sharing resources with family, caregivers and friends can help everyone understand how to help. Consider creating an email list, group text or a private Facebook group just for updates to your dialysis support team.
Join a thriving online CKD community
Our online forum offers encouragement from others going through similar experiences.
Learn how to feel your best and thrive on dialysis. Choose the class format that fits your life—educator-led or self-guided.
Sign up nowNeed a group activity for your crew? Get cooking!
Bonding over food is fun for all—being in the kitchen together, swapping tips, sharing a meal. Cooking dialysis-friendly recipes can help everyone feel included.
Looking for a dialysis center?
We can help you find a Fresenius Kidney Care dialysis center near you.