Mental health in late-stage polycystic kidney disease | Dr. Gavril Hercz, Cinzia Di Carlo RSW

Living with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) effects more than just your kidneys. It effects the way you think, feel, and interact with others. Feeling anxious, stressed, fearful, overwhelmed, and isolated is normal and living with PKD can cause you to feel this way on a regular basis. There is support and ways to manage these feelings.

In this webinar, Cinzia Di Carlo, MSW, RSW, psychotherapist, explores trauma, health anxiety, as well as grief and loss . She also discusses ways to support your mental health through mindfulness, grounding techniques and Cognitive Behavioral Technique (CBT) strategies.

Cinzia provides an overview of how kidney disease can affect mental health, shares practical coping strategies, and guides viewers through some grounding exercises that may help during periods of stress or overwhelm.

The webinar also includes discussion of:

• The emotional impact of approaching dialysis and other kidney disease transitions

• Fear of fistulas and other treatment-related concerns

• The unique challenges faced by caregivers and family members, including parents of children with polycystic kidney disease

• Building resilience and finding support during difficult times

• Mental health and supportive care services commonly available through kidney clinics, including social workers, coordinators, and registered dieticians

Whether you are living with PKD, supporting a loved one, or working in kidney care, this webinar offers practical tools, compassionate perspectives, and reassurance that you do not have to navigate these challenges alone.

Watch the seminar here: