The Diabetes Blues
Everyone gets the blues now and then. Sometimes its because there is too much stress in your life, financial or other burdens, things that happen to you or your family, or the realities of living with diabetes. Learning new ways to cope with stress, figuring out what is important for you, solving those problems that you can, practicing your religion and getting support are ways to get past the blues. Taking care of your diabetes can also help. People with type 2 diabetes with blood sugars closer to normal report more zest and improved quality of life.
But sometimes feeling down its more than the blues. Diabetes raises the risk for clinical depression. In fact, depression is twice as common among people with diabetes. Depression is a serious problem that can have long-term affects on your quality of life and your health. When you are stressed and depressed, your body releases hormones that can raise blood sugar. Some people who are depressed neglect taking care of their diabetes because they just don't feel like doing all the things that they need to do. They find it's hard enough to just get through the day. Some people eat less when they are depressed, while others eat more. Both make it harder to manage diabetes.
The good news is that depression can be treated. There are several effective medicines and counseling is also helpful for many people. Once depression is treated and improves, many people find that they are more able to take care of their health. Their blood sugar levels begin to improve and they feel better emotionally and physically.
Because depression isn't always obvious to other people, it is important to talk with your health care team about any symptoms of depression. It is the only way to get treatment and start to feel better.
Ask yourself these questions:
Only your provider can tell you if you have clinical depression. But if you answered yes to several of these questions, please tell your health care team. There is help available.