How do dialysis patients cope with depression? 5 practical suggestions for psychological adjustment!

Dialysis, as an important treatment method for patients with renal failure to maintain life, prolongs the life of patients, but also brings heavy physical and mental burdens to patients. Many dialysis patients often fall into the dilemma of depression during the long treatment process. This negative emotion not only affects the quality of life, but may also have an adverse effect on the treatment effect. So, how should dialysis patients deal with depression and make effective psychological adjustments? The following are 5 practical suggestions.

1. Face the disease and accept the current situation

1. Understand the inevitability of the disease : Dialysis patients must first understand that renal failure is a serious disease, and dialysis treatment is currently a necessary way to maintain life. Do not have excessive resistance and denial of the disease, but face the reality bravely. Accepting the fact that you need long-term dialysis is the first step in psychological adjustment. You can enhance your sense of control over the disease by learning disease-related knowledge, understanding the principles, processes and precautions of dialysis. For example, participate in the kidney club organized by the hospital, communicate with doctors, nurses and other dialysis patients, obtain information about the disease and treatment from them, and reduce fear and anxiety caused by the unknown.

2. Accept changes in your body and life : Dialysis treatment will cause many changes to the patient's body and life, such as dietary restrictions, limited activities, frequent medical treatment, etc. Patients should learn to accept these changes and adjust their lifestyles and expectations. For example, in terms of diet, strictly follow the diet plan formulated by the doctor and control the intake of water, salt, potassium, phosphorus, etc. Although this may mean giving up some favorite foods, it is a necessary sacrifice for good health. At the same time, according to your physical condition, arrange daily activities reasonably and do some relaxing exercises appropriately, such as walking, Tai Chi, etc., which can not only enhance your physical fitness, but also help improve your mood.

2. Actively communicate and seek support

1. Talk to family and friends : Family and friends are the most solid support for patients. When you feel depressed, do not bear it alone, communicate with them in time and share your feelings and troubles. The care, understanding and encouragement of family members can give patients great psychological comfort. For example, patients can sit with their families after dinner and talk about the discomfort during dialysis or their worries about the future. The patient listening and positive response of family members will make patients feel warm and at ease.

2. Join a mutual aid group for dialysis patients : Communicating with people who share the same disease often leads to a deeper understanding and resonance. The mutual aid group for dialysis patients provides a platform for patients to communicate and support each other. In the group, patients can share their treatment experiences and life insights, listen to other people's stories, and draw strength from their experiences. At the same time, when encountering problems, they can also ask other patients for solutions and jointly cope with the various challenges brought by dialysis.

3. Cultivate interests and hobbies to divert attention

1. Choose hobbies that suit you : In addition to dialysis treatment, patients can choose some suitable hobbies according to their interests and physical conditions, such as painting, calligraphy, reading, music, handicrafts, etc. These hobbies can not only enrich the patient's life, but also divert the patient's attention from the disease and free the patient from negative emotions. For example, patients who like painting can sign up for painting classes, learn painting skills, and use brushes to express their emotions and inner world; patients who like reading can immerse themselves in the ocean of books and forget the troubles brought by the disease.

2. Enjoy the fun brought by hobbies : In the process of cultivating hobbies, patients should focus on enjoying the fun and not put too much pressure on themselves. Whether it is completing a painting or reading a good book, every small achievement can bring patients a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence, thereby improving their emotional state. Moreover, when focusing on hobbies, patients' bodies and minds will be relaxed, and negative emotions such as anxiety and depression will also be alleviated.

4. Perform relaxation training to relieve stress

1. Deep breathing and meditation : Deep breathing and meditation are simple and effective ways to relax. Patients can find a quiet and comfortable place, sit or lie down, close their eyes, breathe in slowly, let the air fill the abdomen, and then exhale slowly, repeating several times. During the breathing process, focus on breathing and eliminate distracting thoughts. Meditation is based on deep breathing, further relaxes the body and mind, and calms the mind. 15-30 minutes of deep breathing and meditation exercises every day can help patients relieve tension and anxiety and reduce psychological pressure.

2. Progressive muscle relaxation training : Progressive muscle relaxation training can relieve muscle tension and relax the body and mind by consciously contracting and relaxing muscles in various parts of the body. Patients can start from the feet, tighten the foot muscles, hold for a few seconds, and then suddenly relax to feel the muscle relaxation. Then do the same training on the calves, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, chest, arms, shoulders, neck and face muscles in turn. This training method can help patients perceive the tension and relaxation of the body, improve the body's self-regulation ability, and thus improve mood.

5. Seek professional psychological help

1. The importance of psychological counseling : If the patient's depression lasts for a long time, seriously affects life and treatment, and cannot be alleviated through self-adjustment and the help of family and friends, then it is very necessary to seek help from a professional counselor or psychologist. Professionals have rich experience and professional knowledge, can deeply understand the patient's psychological problems, and provide patients with personalized psychological treatment plans.

2. Psychological treatment methods : Common psychological treatment methods include cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive psychotherapy, psychodynamic therapy, etc. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients identify and change negative thinking patterns and behavioral habits, thereby improving their mood; supportive psychotherapy can provide emotional support to patients through listening, understanding and encouragement, and enhance their psychological resilience; psychodynamic therapy can help patients explore subconscious conflicts and emotions and solve deep-seated psychological problems. With the help of professional psychotherapy, dialysis patients can better cope with depression and regain confidence and courage in life.

It takes a lot of effort for dialysis patients to cope with depression. By facing the disease, communicating actively, cultivating hobbies, doing relaxation training, and seeking professional psychological help, patients can effectively adjust their mentality, face dialysis treatment and life with a positive and optimistic attitude, and improve their quality of life.