Episode 62: Grieving the Person You Used to Be | Chronic Illness, Kidney Disease & Mental Health with Renal Psychologist Dr Emma

Receiving a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease or any long-term health condition can change every aspect of your life. But alongside the physical challenges, there is another loss that is rarely talked about – grieving the life, identity and future you thought you would have. In this powerful episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, Dee Moore is joined by renal psychologist Dr Emma Coyne, who has spent more than a decade supporting people living with kidney disease. Together they explore the emotional impact of chronic illness, why grief is a completely normal response to diagnosis, and how acceptance doesn’t mean giving up hope. Drawing on both clinical expertise and real-life experiences of kidney patients, Dr Emma explains why emotions such as shock, denial, anger, sadness and fear are all part of the journey. She also shares practical strategies to help you navigate difficult emotions, develop psychological resilience and begin moving forward while living with a chronic illness. Whether you’re living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), on dialysis, have had a kidney transplant, care for someone with kidney disease, or are supporting people with any long-term condition, this conversation offers compassionate insight, reassurance and hope. In this episode you’ll discover: • Why chronic illness often brings a genuine grieving process • What “grieving the self” really means • The emotional stages many people experience after diagnosis • How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help • Practical ways to cope with difficult thoughts and emotions • Why seeking support from a counsellor or renal psychologist is a sign of strength—not weakness • How to build resilience while continuing to live a meaningful life • Encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed by kidney disease or chronic illness This is an episode full of honesty, compassion and practical advice that reminds us that while kidney disease may change our lives, it does not define who we are.   🎙️ If this episode encouraged you, please follow, subscribe and leave a rating or review. Your support helps Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast reach more people living with kidney disease around the world. Please also share this episode with a kidney warrior, family member, friend, carer or healthcare professional who may benefit from hearing it. Until next time… choose to live.     For updates and more, follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior:   📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior  📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior  🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw  🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior  📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw 🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social   💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more! 👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47   📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content! 👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r   Follow Dr Emma Coyne   🐦Twitter (X): @em_coyne   Contact Kidney Care UK   💻 Website: www.kidneycareuk.org 📧 [email protected] 📞Tel: 01420 541 424 📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org 📷Instagram: @kidneycareuk 🔵Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social 📺YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A   📩 To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: [email protected]   Samaritans   Tel: 116 123 (freephone)   [email protected]   Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK PO Box 90 90 Stirling FK8 2SA samaritans.org Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).   Childline   Tel: 0800 1111 childline.org.uk Support for children and young people in the UK, including a free helpline and 1-2-1 online chats with counsellors.   Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor, consultant, or qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and before making any medical decisions. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, or Kidney Care UK and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything.     #DiaryOfAKidneyWarriorPodcast #KidneyDisease #ChronicKidneyDisease #CKD #KidneyHealth #KidneyWarrior #MentalHealth #RenalPsychology #ChronicIllness #Grief #GrievingTheSelf #AcceptanceAndCommitmentTherapy #ACT #Dialysis #KidneyTransplant #ChronicIllnessSupport #PatientStories #HealthPodcast #MentalWellbeing #KidneyCare