Feeling overwhelmed or stressed is common among both caregivers and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Patients are oftentimes offered resources to help cope, including access to a social worker or counselor. Unfortunately, caregivers are not often offered the same help. Here, Marylynn Tackett, a social worker with DaVita Kidney Care, discusses how to identify the warning signs of stress, and provides some coping tips for caregivers.* 

What are the warning signs?

Recognizing the warning signs our bodies present during stressful situations can allow us to take action sooner than later. Warning signs may be physical, emotional, and/or behavioral and will differ on the situation and person. Some signs to look for include:

Physical signs

• Inability to sleep, or sleeping too much
• Weight gain or loss
• Feeling tired all the time
• Change in posture, such as stooping or walking with your head down 
• Chronic headaches, neck pain, or back pain

Emotional signals

• Anger
• Frequent crying spells
• Inability to think clearly or concentrate
• Excessive mood swings
• Feelings of sadness that don’t go away

Behavioral signals

• Withdrawing from usual activities and relationships
• Quitting or changing jobs frequently
• Becoming more impulsive 
• Overreacting to situations
• Usings alcohol or drugs to feel better

What are some coping skills and techniques?

Most, or possibly all, caregivers to CKD patients will experience signs of stress at one time or another. Fortunately, there are ways to help take care of yourself and ease your stress level. Some coping skill and techniques to consider are:

• Seek out support and assistance – don’t be afraid to ask for help
• Consciously build time for yourself into your day
• Look for reasons to laugh 
• Maintain healthy habits like eating whole foods, avoiding drugs, smoking, and excessive alcohol use, and getting exercise of some sort
• Be flexible – try to prioritize, and let less important things go
• Seek advice from trusted friends, family, clergy, or social workers
• Be assertive – share your expectations with other caregivers, friends, family, etc. 
• Do breathing exercises to help relax your mind and body 

It is possible to cope with the stress you encounter in your daily life. If you continue to feel persistent stress after trying some of the tips, speak with a doctor for further guidance. Prolonged stress can have harmful effects on your health and should be taken seriously. 

*Care partner stress and chronic kidney disease. DaVita. (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2022, from https://www.davita.com/education/ckd-life/caregiver/caregiver-stress-and-chronic-kidney-disease