Depression is common among diabetes patients and has been linked to negative health outcomes such as heart disease and death. And there may be more.

Physical illness can be a mental and emotional downer. Patients with kidney failure who are regularly hooked up to dialysis certainly aren't immune to sadness. Fortunately, there may be ways to lift their spirits and their physical health.

Meditation and other mindfulness exercises can be good for your state of mind. Because mental health is tied to physical health, mindfulness training also could be good for people with diabetes.

Reinforcing the fact that your mental health impacts your overall health, a new study has found a link between depression and your kidney health.