Living with a chronic kidney condition like IgA nephropathy (IgAN) can be stressful, and stress can make the symptoms of IgAN worse. Relaxation strategies, exercise, and mental health support can help you cope.
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a type of kidney disease caused by the immune system producing high levels of antibodies, which in turn build up in the filtration system of your kidneys.
Over time, persistent inflammation from these antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA), leads to permanent damage, scarring, and a loss of kidney function.
There’s currently no cure for IgAN. Additionally, many people with IgAN go on to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD), a clinically significant kidney impairment occurring over a long period of time.
Living with any chronic condition can be stressful, and IgAN is no exception. Learning how to cope with stress can help ease your symptoms and keep it from worsening your overall condition.
When you face adversity or are put under stress, your body initiates a stress reaction.
This cascade of physiological responses can affect your body in many ways, such as elevating your heart rate and respirations, slowing your digestion, and altering your blood sugar levels.
In the short term, your stress reaction is supposed to be beneficial. It works to prioritize functions essential to survival. Over time, if stress doesn’t go away, it becomes chronic, which can have negative effects on your body, like creating persistent, systemic inflammation.
If you already live with an inflammatory condition like IgAN, stress can compound that inflammatory process.
Stress in IgAN can come from many different sources, including:
- costs of medical care
- schedule demands
- changes or loss of employment
- dietary restrictions
- fear of being a burden to others
- apprehension about pain
Sometimes, stress in IgAN can contribute to mental health concerns like anxiety or depression. According to a
Currently, there’s no cure for IgAN, but there are ways to effectively cope with its accompanying stress. Managing your stress levels can support the success of your IgAN therapeutic plan.
Exercise
Exercise helps relieve stress. It releases feel-good chemicals in the brain called endorphins, promotes quality sleep, and improves your overall physical health. The better you feel physically, the more capable you feel mentally.
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, even 5 minutes of aerobic exercise can have anti-anxiety effects. Aerobic exercise is any movement that engages the large muscles of your body to strengthen your cardiovascular system.
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Meditation
Meditation is the practice of achieving a state of mental clarity, accompanied by a sense of calm and heightened awareness.
It’s often used in stress reduction because it encourages in-the-moment focus rather than thought rumination, which can promote anxiety, worry, and fear.
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“There are so many ways to appreciate the benefits of what can be captured under the meditation umbrella,” explained Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky, a board certified psychiatrist and owner of Beach Health in Tampa, Florida.
“You can simply walk outside without your phone and repeat a supportive phrase like, ‘I’m awesome all the time, even if I have some stress right now.’”
Doing activities you love
It’s OK to take time for things you love when you live with IgAN. Focusing on things that bring you joy helps keep them in the forefront of your mind.
“Stress can become so overbearing, especially when dealing with an illness and the unknown,” said Beachkofsky. “You know that state of flow that we all hope to get into when we do something we love? That experience can be really helpful when anxiety is giving you trouble.”
She suggests having a routine before starting any project that lets your brain know it’s about to do something specific that needs your attention.
Each time, you can set out your supplies, turn on the same playlist, and have the first few steps of your project ready in your mind (or written down) so you can get right into the groove.
Spending time with loved ones
Being around the people you love is comforting and keeps you feeling socially connected to others, warding off loneliness and isolation.
Family and friends can be a significant source of emotional and physical support. They can listen when you need to get your feelings out, and they can help you tackle everyday tasks that might sometimes feel overwhelming.
“Who doesn’t lose track of things a little when you’re having a laugh with someone who truly lights you up?” Beachkofsky pointed out.
“Surrounding yourself with people who can drag your mind away from your stress, even for a few minutes, will add value in ways that chronic illness always seems to steal from you.”
It’s also OK to ask for help. Allowing others to do things like grab groceries or mow the lawn can reduce the stress you feel trying to juggle daily responsibilities with IgAN management.
Your doctor is there to help you reduce medical factors that may be contributing to stress and worsening IgAN.
Side effects from medication, new or worsening symptoms, and barriers to treatment are all stressors that are important to speak with your doctor about.
Your doctor can also make recommendations for mental health professionals who can help you learn new coping strategies for stress and address any underlying mental health concerns.
There’s never a wrong time to speak with a mental health professional about an IgAN diagnosis. You don’t have to wait for stress to be causing major challenges in your life.
If stress is causing significant impairment across important areas of function, a licensed mental health professional can determine if you might be experiencing a formal mental health disorder.
Mental health professionals who can help may include:
- psychologists
- psychiatrists
- social workers
- therapists
- counselors
Additionally, the IGA Nephropathy Foundation has a TalkSpace benefit for members who may be interested in receiving virtual mental health support.
IgAN is a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t have to be accompanied by additional stress. You can manage stress successfully, and research suggests doing so can improve your overall quality of life with IgAN.
“Dealing with chronic illness will throw a lot of challenges at you, it’s something you can definitely count on,” explained Beachkofsky. “But managing the stress that goes along with those unexpected moments will be much easier if you have practice doing things that give your mind a break.”
Living with IgAN can create significant stress in your life, and stress can compound the inflammatory processes associated with IgAN.
Learning how to manage stress by doing things you enjoy, exploring meditation, and staying physically active can help. It’s never too early to talk with your doctor or a mental health professional about managing medical or personal stressors in your life.