Depression?

[glasshalffull]

Hi, i was wondering if anyone has suffered from any form of depression since their diagnosis and if so, how have they coped with it?

[2012kowboy]

Hi there, before my transplant I got very depressed, to the extent that I was going to stop dialysis and let the inevitable happen, but I thought about what I had decided and thought I would stick with it a bit longer, and then got my transplant, and since then I have felt so much better, if you are feeling depressed it helps to talk to people who know what you are going through, this is why I created my website, renalbuddies.com, try visiting our facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Renalbud... to talk with other renal sufferers, I hope this helps you, and stay strong, all the best, Garry.

[smashandgrab]

I think it is part of the illness which effects a lot of people with chronic conditions and you need to talk to someone about this ASAP,

[Methusala]

Back again , glasshalfull!

I became very depressed about a month after my transplant when I no longer had my haemodialysis life and didn't know how to invent a new one. I'd spent almost 3 yrs going to the same dialysis unit, seeing the same familiar faces, and suddenly I was on my own with nowhere to go and no-one to talk with anymore. I managed to get counselling with someone who came to see me each week. She encouraged me and I joined a local gym doing an exercise class called "Super Seniors" and felt so much better meeting people and exercising 5 months after my transplant. This was the beginning of my "return to normal life." Don't hesitate to get help if you are depressed about your renal condition. At our hospital we have a psychologist and I would advise anyone to seek help. Your GP should be able to advise you on seeing a counsellor/therapist to discuss your depression.