Diabetes type 2 is physically a disease that is relatively easy to live with for most people, if they maintain good blood sugar control and don't begin to suffer from some of the long term health problems associated with continuous high blood sugar levels.
However, coping mentally can be a different proposition.
Because there are no physical signs of psychological problems, we can be very reluctant to seek help.
Over time, this can lead to depression.
When depression starts to take hold, management of diabetes can become difficult, or simply not happen as we stop checking blood glucose levels and taking medication.
The bottom line is that life in general seems pretty awful when we're depressed.
However, if this starts to affect our diabetes treatment, we have a problem.
There are a number of signs to look out for, for example, a lack of energy, difficulty in sleeping, inability to think clearly, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, loss of appetite and sense of humour and being overly emotional are symptoms of depression.
Obviously suicidal thoughts are a sure sign.
One of the most important things to keep in mind so you can refer to it should you experience any of the above symptoms, is that you will probably also feel that no one can help you with these feelings.
You may think that it's "just the way you are".
This is not so and an appointment should be made with your doctor.
It may even be a good idea to write this down, perhaps where you keep a log of your blood sugar levels.
Just write that if you feel depressed for any length of time, phone the doctor.
This way you have a written instruction, which may be helpful if clarity of thought is missing.
Your doctor may refer you to a therapist.
Bear in mind, that in a state of depression you will think that no one can help.
However, doctors and therapists often have solutions that you are blind to when depressed.
In addition, it may be that your doctor prescribes some form of ant-depressant medication.
These days the side effects are low and usually wear off within a couple of weeks, but the benefits are enormous to get you through a "trough".
Another option is to join a support group in your area, where everyone shares their problems, making for an environment of trust and understanding, which is often what is required to help with depression caused by a common source.
However, coping mentally can be a different proposition.
Because there are no physical signs of psychological problems, we can be very reluctant to seek help.
Over time, this can lead to depression.
When depression starts to take hold, management of diabetes can become difficult, or simply not happen as we stop checking blood glucose levels and taking medication.
The bottom line is that life in general seems pretty awful when we're depressed.
However, if this starts to affect our diabetes treatment, we have a problem.
There are a number of signs to look out for, for example, a lack of energy, difficulty in sleeping, inability to think clearly, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, loss of appetite and sense of humour and being overly emotional are symptoms of depression.
Obviously suicidal thoughts are a sure sign.
One of the most important things to keep in mind so you can refer to it should you experience any of the above symptoms, is that you will probably also feel that no one can help you with these feelings.
You may think that it's "just the way you are".
This is not so and an appointment should be made with your doctor.
It may even be a good idea to write this down, perhaps where you keep a log of your blood sugar levels.
Just write that if you feel depressed for any length of time, phone the doctor.
This way you have a written instruction, which may be helpful if clarity of thought is missing.
Your doctor may refer you to a therapist.
Bear in mind, that in a state of depression you will think that no one can help.
However, doctors and therapists often have solutions that you are blind to when depressed.
In addition, it may be that your doctor prescribes some form of ant-depressant medication.
These days the side effects are low and usually wear off within a couple of weeks, but the benefits are enormous to get you through a "trough".
Another option is to join a support group in your area, where everyone shares their problems, making for an environment of trust and understanding, which is often what is required to help with depression caused by a common source.
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