If you have diabetes, then you have experienced the ups and downs. Sometimes, you may feel that you are in complete control of your disease and life. On other days, you may feel that illness is calling the shots. At these times, simply checking your blood sugar or calculating your carbohydrates can seem like a daunting task.
Don’t be surprised on the rest day. It happens to everyone, diabetes or not. But when the rest day turns into a rest month, it’s time to take a closer look at your mood. Although few people realize that depression is a common complication of diabetes. According to data from the US Mental Health Center, 30% of diabetic patients suffer from depression.
These two diseases often form a vicious circle. Many patients fall into depression when their diabetes worsens. Then depression makes them more likely to have difficulty controlling their disease. As their diabetes becomes more out of control, their mood will get worse.
problem found
You can stop this chain reaction before it has a chance to start. There are many effective treatments for depression, including medications and counseling. In addition to improving your mood, these treatments can also make it easier for you to control diabetes. But before you get help, you must find the problem, and the sooner the better.
It may not always be easy to distinguish between common bad emotions and depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the symptoms of depression can interfere with work, daily activities, or social life. Symptoms to look for include:
- Lingering feelings of sadness, emptiness, or anxiety
- Despair and pessimism
- Loss of fun in previously enjoyable activities, such as meeting friends or having sex
- Difficulty falling asleep, getting up too early in the morning or sleeping more than usual
- Irritability or irritability
- Loss of energy or feeling “weak”
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Persistent pain or digestive problems will not get better with treatment
- Feelings of worthlessness or persistent guilt
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death, suicide, or attempted suicide
The physical source of depression
If these symptoms apply to you, please make an appointment with your general practitioner or diabetes specialist (If you are suicidal, you should call the emergency center immediately. You should also see a doctor as soon as possible.)
Your doctor can look for physical problems that may affect your mood, such as side effects of medications or poor blood sugar control. If necessary, he or she can also refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional who can help you get back on track. If needed, psychiatrists and other doctors can usually prescribe medications for depression.
Sometimes depression cannot be prevented, but most people can take steps to reduce their risk. Follow your health plan carefully and build a support network of family, friends, and health professionals. In addition, exercise has been shown to improve the mood of depression—regardless of whether someone has diabetes or not. (It can also help you control your diabetes.) Moreover, even if depression cannot be prevented, it can usually be successfully treated if you work closely with the medical team. Communication and teamwork with your doctor and/or therapist are very important to ensure that you fully recover and avoid recurrence.