Learn more about IgAN through the IgA Nephropathy Foundation
Finding out that you have IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) can be scary. Many people are flooded by a range of emotions, as well as the uncertainly of how the condition might progress. It can be a difficult and complex journey, and managing the emotional and social effects of IgAN can be just as challenging.
Guest Dr. Daniel Cukor, a clinical psychologist and the Director of Behavioral Health at the Rogosin Institute in New York City, works with people with chronic kidney disease to help them navigate their journey, find ways to cope and stay positive. But what does successful coping look like for those who are newly diagnosed with IgAN or who are at earlier stages of the disease?
In this episode, Dr. Cukor will discuss the process many people go through to accept and adjust to their diagnosis, how IgAN might affect one’s mental health, why it's important to tune into and understand your feelings about IgAN, and how to develop effective coping strategies. Here are some tips discussed: 1. Do a mental self-check to know how you’re doing – what’s going well and what’s not? Do you feel like you are coping well? Being emotionally healthy takes effort. What do you need to take care of yourself and adopt a positive perspective? 2. Develop coping strategies that help you balance managing your condition, but not become overwhelmed by it. 3. Grow your circle of support in and outside of the kidney community.
4. Remember that IgAN is a part of who you are, but not the totality of who you are. Find activities you enjoy doing.
5. Talk through your feelings and maintain open communication to make sure you and your care partner(s) are on the same page, and stay connected with your kidney care.
Connect with Dr. Daniel Cukor: