Your Mind Matters: Mental Health and Kidney Disease

Living with CKD affects more than your body. It can impact your emotions, relationships, and overall sense of well-being.

• This study found that about 1 in 5 people on dialysis and 1 in 4 people with a transplant experience depression.
• According to self-reported data, 25% of people with kidney disease experience depression or other mental health challenges.
• A cross-sectional study reported that 57% of children with kidney disease experience some mental health disorders. 78% reported having a poor quality of life. 

Yet mental and behavioral health (MBH) concerns, like depression and anxiety, are often overlooked in kidney care.

The good news? There are proven, science-backed ways to improve mental health.

Research shows that patients who receive mental health support are more likely to:

• Take medications as prescribed
• Maintain healthy behaviors
• Report a better quality of life

Here are practical, evidence-based steps you can start today to boost mood, resilience, and your sense of control:

If you’ve felt persistently sad, anxious, hopeless, or detached for more than two weeks, reach out to your healthcare team. Mental health conditions are common and treatable. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both can help you feel more like yourself.

Connecting with people who understand what you’re going through can ease loneliness and boost motivation.

Here are NKF resources created to help you connect with others: 

• NKF Peers: Connect 1-1 with a trained peer mentor on the phone whose lived well with kidney disease. 
• NKF Communities: Anonymously speak with others in the kidney community online. 
• Kidney Walk: Fundraise with and meet others living with kidney disease in your area.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs lower anxiety and improve emotional well-being in people with chronic illness, including CKD. 

Try these simple daily practices:

• Take 5 slow, deep breaths before dialysis or medication
• Spend 10 minutes noticing what you see, hear, and feel
• Use free guided meditation apps or online videos

Listen to our Hot Topics in Kidney Health episode: Mindfulness and Kidney Disease.

Low-impact exercise is safe and beneficial for most people with kidney disease. 

Staying active can help:

• Improve blood pressure
• Boost energy levels
• Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

Walking, gentle stretching, yoga, or stationary cycling are often good options, but ask your care team which activities are safe for your stage.

Learn more about exercise and CKD.

Sleep is essential to your well-being. Poor sleep can worsen anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Tips for better sleep:

• Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up time
• Limit caffeine, especially in the afternoon
• Turn off screens at least 30 minutes before bed

Talk to your doctor if dialysis or medications interfere with sleep. They can suggest strategies or adjustments to help you rest better.

Proper nutrition can help most people maintain their kidney function. It can also improve mood, energy, and overall sense of well-being.

Tips for eating well with kidney disease:

• Balance your nutrients: Work with a dietitian to get enough protein, vitamins, and minerals while limiting sodium, phosphorus, or potassium as needed.
• Plan meals ahead: Prepping meals reduces stress around food choices and helps you stick to your diet.
• Stay hydrated: Fluid needs vary depending on your kidney disease stage or dialysis schedule. Follow your care team’s guidance.

A kidney dietitian can help tailor your plan to your tastes, lifestyle, and culture, making it easier to follow long-term.

Learn more with NKF’s Nutrition Hub.

Historically, nephrologists haven’t been trained to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. But that’s beginning to change. In a groundbreaking effort, the National Kidney Foundation formed the first-ever Working Group dedicated to creating practical recommendations for identifying and addressing mental and behavioral health needs in kidney care for both adults and children.

The initiative’s first meeting took place in late September 2025. It brought together roughly 45 participants—including nephrologists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, pharmacists, and patients—to explore the best ways to integrate mental health care into nephrology practices.

Caring for your mind is part of caring for your kidneys. By taking small, science-backed steps every day, you can improve your emotional well-being and your overall quality of life.

Find more stress-busting tips for kidney disease.