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Co-authored by Abigail Ramos and Robert T. Muller, PhD.
Organ transplantation is rise. in Canada Transplant surgeries alone increased by 22% between 2011 and 2020. But waiting times create great uncertainty and stress.
Five years ago, Frank (not his real name) was put on the waiting list for an organ donation, which can take five to 10 years. He and his wife are focused on the present rather than the future. Frank said there is always a chance that his body will reject his organ, but “if I get a kidney, my life will change forever.”
Waiting for a transplant can be an emotional and mental strain. Many people struggle with the idea of receiving an organ transplant, and the longer they are on the waiting list, the more stressful it becomes. standard There are conditions that must be met before being placed on a waiting list and other conditions that must be met in order to receive an organ. This lengthy process can cause great anxiety and despair about the future.
How do people cope? Jodi Jones, transplant psychologist and associate professor of clinical surgery at the University of Iowa, uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with organ transplant patients. She helps patients compassionately accept their feelings and encourages them to embrace them. Jones explains that many are grieving the loss of the health they once had and fighting to stay alive every day. Through this type of therapy, the grief and emotions that arise during this time are channeled into healthy, motivating behaviors for the patient.
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Creating an open environment where patients can express their feelings while coping can be a step in the right direction. For some patients, close relatives and friends can step in to provide emotional and physical support. Caring for a patient with organ failure can be mentally draining and life-changing. Frank's wife Lisa (not her real name to preserve anonymity) explains that she used to love traveling with her husband. Since starting dialysis, traveling has become very difficult as they have to continue their treatment wherever they go. Also, they no longer travel internationally as there is limited assistance to find dialysis facilities in other countries.
Feelings of sadness, despair, stress and hopelessness are common among family members. Many people hesitate to express their feelings because they are not the ones suffering from the illness. Jones urges families to prioritise their own mental health and encourages them to take time for self-care. This can be done by joining a support group in your community or getting counselling to help you deal with your emotions.
For some, an organ transplant is an opportunity to start over and a time of healing, both mentally and physically. Jones suggests that organ recipients reach out to the donor's family to express their gratitude. This exchange can be a source of healing for both parties. And for those who have lost a loved one, contacting and meeting the recipient of their loved one's organ can bring a degree of comfort and relief. Jones says: “No doubt every family thinks about their loved ones all the time, but your very presence perpetuates their life and that is a gift to them.”
Abigail Ramos is a fourth-year psychology major at York University.
