The South Carolina Governor’s Challenge Group is a coalition of Veterans, state agencies. leaders, and mental health professionals committed to raising awareness and implementing programs aimed at Veteran suicide prevention.
Every month we will highlight a national health or awareness theme, providing brief information and resources to help Veterans, families, and communities stay informed and connected to important issues affecting their well-being.
National Kidney Month
Did you know that as of 2025, 14,372 South Carolinians are living with kidney
failure, and 75% of them (10,267) are on dialysis? Roughly 1 in 6 Veterans has kidney disease, with over 40,000 in the VA system requiring dialysis or transplant.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. and is often labeled a “silent killer” due to its lack of physical symptoms in the early stages. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, and each kidney is about the size of a fist. Their function is to filter fluids and waste out of your blood and make urine. Kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood the way they should.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of CKD in most adults. Other risk factors include heart disease, obesity, a family history of CKD, inherited kidney disorders, past damage to the kidneys, and older age.
Living with reduced kidney function affects daily life in ways that go beyond symptoms. Fatigue, dietary restrictions, medical appointments, and uncertainty about the future can all contribute to emotional distress. This is why mental health support is considered an essential part of kidney care.
Studies consistently show that people on dialysis may be more vulnerable to depression or suicidal thoughts because of these lifestyle changes. The loss of independence, the physical side effects, and the emotional weight of long-term treatment can all contribute.
So how do we address the mental health problems that are prevalent in persons experiencing decreased kidney function?
We need to look at developing strategies aimed at preventing disease progression. Such strategies should include addressing the mental health aspects (risk and protective factors for suicide and depression), psychological factors (coping styles and psychological resilience), and social determinants (social support). These strategies work best when these mental health aspects are addressed alongside the medical aspects.
Talking openly about feelings and understanding what increases vulnerability, seeking support, learning ways to manage stress, and staying connected with others can reduce isolation, provide encouragement, and help people feel less overwhelmed. These elements work together to support both emotional stability and long-term health.
The National Kidney Foundation notes that, “By opening up, you can access treatments and support that improve your well-being,” and “Getting help for depression is just as important as taking care of your physical health during dialysis.” Mental health care is just as important as physical care.
Another strategy is to join a support group and make lifestyle adjustments that support mental health. These strategies can help build coping skills, develop healthier habits, reduce stress, reduce feelings of loneliness, and help you feel supported by others who understand the challenges you are going through.
If you know someone who is a Veteran or a non-Veteran experiencing decreased kidney function, please know that help and support are available. The Veterans Health Administration and the American Kidney Fund have partnered to develop resources to help slow down the progression of existing kidney disease.
Both Veterans and non-Veterans can click on VA resources supporting kidney health to learn about kidney disease and access additional educational and research resources. Additionally, the VA’s National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention offers healthy living advice to help slow down diabetes and high blood pressure and prevent kidney disease from worsening.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11228378/
National Kidney Foundation – Depression and Dialysis
https://www.kidneyfund.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/depression-and-kidney-disease.pdf