Emotional well-being.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts substantially on morbidity and mortality with an international incidence of 9.1%. It is the 12th leading cause of death globally (Bikbov et al. 2020) and is anticipated to be the 5th leading cause of premature death by 2040 (Foreman et al. 2018). The incidence of CKD and kidney replacement therapy (KRT) continues to grow. CKD-associated mortality has not observed sustained progress that other long-term conditions have including cardiovascular or respiratory diseases (Bikbov et al. 2020). Persons living with a long-term illness are more than just their disease with emotional concerns just as relevant as physical. It is well documented that there are a variety of emotional challenges faced by individuals when living with CKD and whilst preparing for and undertaking KRT. This chapter aims to address the importance of emotional well-being for individuals and their partners, families and caregivers when living with this long-term condition. It will also address how well individuals manage these emotional challenges through these life changing events of CKD and KRT. The role of the multidisciplinary team will be highlighted together with management strategies which may assist individuals and their partners, families, and caregivers to cope and adapt with the various facets of treatment modalities for kidney disease (KD).