October 10 is World Mental Health Day.

Like many chronic illnesses, PKD can affect your mental health as well as your physical health - from dealing with chronic pain, to the emotional stresses of organ failure, dialysis, and trying to find an organ donor.

The PKD Foundation of Canada has some webinars that address mental health and PKD, which you can watch below.

These signs and symptoms, from the U.S. PKD Foundation website, are important to watch for:

• Do you notice you don’t socialize as much, you sleep more, you’re less interested in the world around you and more isolated?
• Do you find your mood is lower than normal or that you are more frequently short or irritable?
• Are you less interested in food and losing weight?
• Do you find yourself gaining weight?
• Are you turning more and more to alcohol or other substances, especially in an effort to feel better?
• Has someone around you told you they notice you aren’t acting like yourself?

If you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to your healthcare team.

If you or someone you care for is in crisis

If you're in immediate danger or need urgent medical support, call 911.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For residents of Quebec, call 1-866-277-3553 or visit suicide.ca.

Visit Talk Suicide Canada for the distress centres and crisis organizations nearest you. If you're experiencing gender-based violence, you can access a crisis line in your province or territory.

Find more Canadian mental health supports here.