{"id":12602,"date":"2018-11-09T13:29:41","date_gmt":"2018-11-09T13:29:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dbhids2021.wpengine.com\/?p=12602"},"modified":"2018-11-09T13:29:41","modified_gmt":"2018-11-09T13:29:41","slug":"diabetes-and-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthymindsphilly.org\/dev\/blog\/diabetes-and-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Diabetes and Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country bring attention to the impact diabetes has on Americans – including the relationship between diabetes and depression.<\/em><\/p>\n

A day in the life<\/strong><\/p>\n

Living with diabetes requires daily physical and emotional demands. The idea that diabetes can be managed simply by eating healthier and exercising more is a myth. Yes, eating nutritious foods and enjoying physical movement is good for the heart, soul, and<\/em> for diabetes management; but there is so much more to living healthy with diabetes.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a daily balancing act between all the things that raise blood sugar and those that lower blood sugar, including food, medication, alcohol, physical activity, and stress. Not to mention hormones, sleep, illness, hydration, altitude, insulin gone bad, and so much more. People with diabetes have to constantly sort through mixed messages around food choices. They have to navigate insurance coverage for frequent healthcare visits and diabetes supplies, which can be time-consuming, frustrating and expensive. The list goes on. It\u2019s no wonder that diabetes increases a person\u2019s risk for depression and other mental health issues.<\/p>\n

“People with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression than those without diabetes.” – National Institute of Health<\/em><\/h3>\n

Mental health <\/strong><\/p>\n

There is a close link between diabetes and mental health. The constant need to manage diabetes tasks may lead to feelings of sadness, guilt, fear, anger, and depression. In fact, people with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression than those without diabetes, according to the National Institute of Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Since clinical depression is so deeply interconnected with diabetes, researchers now think it is a two-way relationship: People with diabetes are more likely to develop depression, and people with depression are more likely to develop diabetes. Read more at Diabetes Forecast<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If left untreated, poor mental health can worsen diabetes care and vice versa, according to the CDC<\/a>.\u00a0Unfortunately, mental health is often overlooked by healthcare providers, so it\u2019s important to advocate for yourself, or enlist a family member to help discuss mental health concerns with your doctor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Diabetes distress <\/strong><\/p>\n

Everyone who lives with diabetes is at risk for diabetes distress<\/em><\/a> – a term used to describe the unique emotional issues related to the daily stressors and worries of living with diabetes. Diabetes distress is often associated with the thought of \u201cI just can\u2019t do this anymore.\u201d\u00a0 Symptoms may include\u00a0feeling overwhelmed\u00a0by the demands of living with diabetes; often failure in following a prescribed diabetes routine;\u00a0feeling\u00a0unsupported by friends and family;\u00a0feeling angry, scared, and\/or\u00a0depressed\u00a0about living with diabetes; and\u00a0feeling\u00a0that long-term complications of diabetes are inevitable.<\/p>\n

Major sources of diabetes distress include:<\/p>\n