Living with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Hidden Battle in Ghana

In Ghana, a silent struggle is taking place. People with chronic kidney disease face more than just physical pain. They also battle with feelings of hopelessness. This is not just about sickness. It is about how this sickness affects their minds.

A Recent Study

A recent study looked into this issue. It focused on two hospitals in Ghana. The findings were eye-opening:

Patients often feel alone.
They feel like they are a burden.
This can lead to dark thoughts.
Some even think about ending their lives.

Why Does This Happen?

Chronic kidney disease is not just a short-term problem. It is a long-term condition. It requires regular treatment, which can be:

Expensive
Tiring

Patients may feel like they are stuck in a cycle of illness and treatment.

The Stigma Around Kidney Disease

The stigma around kidney disease is real:

Some people avoid patients.
Others treat them differently.
This can make patients feel isolated.
They may feel like they do not belong.
This isolation can worsen their mental state.

Lack of Support

The study also found that patients often lack support:

Family and friends may not understand what they are going through.
Health care providers may focus only on the physical aspects.
They may overlook the mental health of these patients.

A Critical Issue

This is a critical issue. It needs attention. Patients need more than just medical treatment. They need:

Emotional support.
To feel understood.
To feel valued.