1 American Kidney Fund (2025). Complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G). https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/other-kidney-diseases/complement-3-glomerulopathy-c3g
2 NephCure Kidney International (2024). C3 Glomerulopathy. https://nephcure.org/c3-glomerulopathy/
3 ISN (2025). Improving outcomes for individuals with rare kidney diseases (RKDs) and their families.
4 Swathi, M., Manjusha, S., Vadakkiniath, et al. (2023). Prevalence and correlates of stress, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study. Middle East Current Psychiatry, 30(1), 66.
5 Silence Therapeutics (2025). Living well with C3G. https://silence-therapeutics.com/patients/c3-glomerulopathy/living-well-with-c3g/default.aspx
6 How To Find a Rare Kidney Disease Support Group. MyKidney DiseaseTeam. 2025.
https://www.mykidneydiseaseteam.com/resources/how-to-find-a-rare-kidney-disease-support-group
7 Hilton L, Hempel S, Ewing BA et al. (2017). Mindfulness Meditation for Chronic Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 51(2):199–213.
8 How to reduce stress and anxiety through movement and mindfulness. (2025) Harvard Health Publishing. How to reduce stress and anxiety through movement and mindfulness - Harvard Health
9 O’Connell BH, OShea D, Gallagher S et al. (2017). Feeling thanks and saying thanks: a randomized controlled trial examining if and how socially oriented gratitude journals work. J. Clin. Psychol., 73, 1280–1300. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22469
More than the Kidneys: Caring for Your Emotional Wellbeing
Living with a rare kidney condition like C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G) or primary Immune Complex-mediated Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) doesn’t just affect your body - it can influence how you feel day to day. These conditions can bring new questions, routines and sometime moments where your emotions may feel a little heavier1. Taking care of your emotional wellbeing is just as important as looking after your physical health.
Acknowledging Your Feelings
Everyone responds differently to life with a rare condition, including experiencing a mix of emotions like uncertainty about what comes next1.
Because C3G and primary IC-MPGN are uncommon2, diagnosis often involves appointments with different specialists, and some answers can take time3. It’s understandable if this process leaves you with questions or mixed emotions.
Many people living with long-term health conditions may experience moments of stress or worry4, and recognising these feelings is an important part of caring for yourself.
Christiane, whose daughter lives with C3G, explains how important looking after your mental health is:
“I think the best care approach is not only looking at the diagnosis and lab parameters, but also looking at the mental health for the whole family and the effect that it has on everyone. It doesn’t matter if it’s the caregiver, siblings or friends.”
The Mind–Body Connection
Our mental and physical health are closely linked, especially with chronic illness, but taking an active
role in positive lifestyle changes can help you feel more in control.5 The key is finding strategies that fit naturally into your life and feel good for you.
Below are a few ideas to explore.
1. Reach Out to Others
Friends and family can offer comfort and companionship, also connecting with people who have experience with rare kidney conditions may bring a deeper sense of understanding.
Being part of a community – whether online or in person - can help reduce feelings of loneliness6 and offer reassurance that others are walking a similar path.
Fabrizio, a parent of a child with C3G, describes the impact of support on his life:
“I must say that from my family, my relatives and friends I have always had great understanding, great help and great support - both as friendship and psychologically.”
Ways to Connect:
- Join online kidney communities such as NephCure forums
- Find local events or groups via World Kidney Day
- Explore mentoring programmes like National Kidney Foundation’s NKF PEERS program for one-to-one support
2. Try Mindfulness
Even a few minutes of slowing down your thoughts daily can reduce stress and anxiety and even make pain feel less intense.7
Simple Mindfulness Ideas:
Breathe: Take five slow breaths, paying attention to the movement of the air. Repeat up to ten times for a calming reset
Savour a moment: Enjoy your morning tea or coffee without distractions. Notice the smell, the warmth of the cup, the taste as you sip
Pause: Stop what you are doing and notice three things you can see, hear or feel to bring yourself into the moment
Stay present during everyday activities: Pay attention to the sensation of water when
washing your hands or the warmth of sunlight through a window
3. Get moving, Gently
Even on slower days, gentle movement can lift your mood and support emotional balance. Small, simple movements can relax your muscles and help release endorphins, which naturally support wellbeing8.
Ways to Introduce Gentle Movement:
Do a light stretch for 5-minutes: Slowly roll your shoulders or stretch your arms while taking deep breaths. Repeat up to 10 times
Take a short walk: Walk around your room or hallway for 3 to 5 minutes. If mobility is limited, try seated leg lifts, ankle circles, or simply lifting your heels and toes
Sway to a favourite song: Gently sway side to side to loosen tension in your body. You can do this standing or sitting down
Try gentle yoga poses: Seated twists, cat–cow stretches on hands and knees, or lying on your back and hugging your knees to your chest can help ease stiffness
Stretch in bed: Before getting up or when resting, point and flex your toes, stretch your arms overhead, or gently roll your neck from side to side
4. Keep a Gratitude Journal
Noticing small positives throughout the day can help shift your mindset and support emotional wellbeing. Some studies show that it can also help to improve sleep after a few weeks9. Gratitude journalling doesn’t have to be elaborate – just a few words can be powerful.
How To Get Started:
Keep it simple: Write one to three things you are grateful for each day
Make it a routine: Choose a regular time, such as morning or bedtime
Notice small moments: Gratitude is not only about big events. Everyday things, like a smile from a stranger, can be meaningful
Write freely: Use words, short lists, or even sketches - whatever feels natural
Look back: Revisiting past entries on harder days can remind you of positive moments and lift your mood
Where To Find Further Support:
- CompCure: Learn about C3G and primary IC-MPGN through an international registry, awareness campaigns, and connections with experts and fellow patients
- NephCure: A patient community offering connection with others, updates on research and guidance on care and clinical trials
- World Kidney Day: Education on living well with kidney disease
- ERKNet: Research opportunities and education from leading kidney specialists