Diabetes and Depression
Everyone suffers sadness and depression at some point in their lives. It could be due to life’s ups and downs, as well as disappointments in work, life, and relationships. This emotion gradually fades and you resume enjoying your life. When this emotion holds you and interferes with your daily activities, you may be suffering from depression rather than sadness.
Diabetes and depression are two illnesses that are common and can coexist. At any given time, over 340 million people worldwide suffer from depression, including 18 million in the United States. Depression is substantially more common in people with type 2 diabetes than in people without diabetes.
Vicious cycle of Diabetes and Depression
Though the connection between diabetes and depression is not entirely understood, both disorders appear to have an impact on one another. If you have diabetes, you are more likely to get depression, and if you have depression, you are more likely to develop diabetes. When you are depressed, your body produces a lot of stress hormones, which might lead to an increase in blood sugar levels by lowering your sensitivity to insulin.
A diabetic may become overwhelmed by having to constantly care for oneself. The possibility of acquiring diabetic complications may contribute to feelings of helplessness and self-pity. The chronic nature of the illness, its biological repercussions, and potential complications may all enhance a diabetic’s risk of depression.
Symptoms of depression
If you have diabetes, keep an eye out for the following signs of depression. These symptoms may not be temporary and appear to continue for a long period. The first step is to recognize the depression, and the second is to get help. Check for these symptoms if you’ve been feeling down, gloomy, and miserable for an extended period of time.
- Loss of enthusiasm for the activities you used to like the most.
- Changes in sleep habits, such as waking up earlier than normal and struggling to sleep, or feeling sleepy at strange hours.
- Concentration loss is a significant symptom. Other thoughts sneak in and cause you to stray and lose focus.
- Your appetite could shift. You have either lost interest in eating and enjoying the meals you used to enjoy, or you have begun to consume more. Either of them causes weight loss or weight gain.
- You have a lack of energy and are frequently fatigued, and exhausted.
- You are becoming increasingly uneasy and concerned. You get more irritable and find it difficult to remain calm.
- You have the impression that you are not doing anything right.
- You are miserable and depressed most of the time.
- You are depressed and wish to end your life.
- You frequently experience back pain, headaches, and other inexplicable physical concerns.
Depression in diabetes is a serious issue
Diabetes depression is a serious problem for a variety of reasons. Diabetic patients who are sad are unable to successfully control their blood glucose levels because they fail to adhere to their food and medication routines. They may separate themselves from others, reducing the availability of social support, which may be vital for diabetic self-management. Complications related to diabetes, as well as weight gain and obesity, are more likely in depressed people because they are unable to self-manage their diabetes.
If diabetic patients’ depression is not treated, they may be unable to manage their diabetes, resulting in high blood glucose, low quality of life, and increased healthcare expenses. Diabetes, if not treated, can raise the risk of complications with the heart, vision, kidneys, and leg ulcers that do not heal, resulting in amputation of the affected limb. As a result, treating depression and maintaining good health is critical, especially if you have diabetes.
Impact of depression on work performance
Depression is estimated to cause 400 million lost work days per year. Work performance can suffer dramatically as a result of depression. A depressed individual may be unable to think clearly, interact effectively with others, work effectively with others or as a team, and hence is unable to complete the given task satisfactorily. They may regularly be absent from work or arrive late for work. All of these factors may have a negative impact on work productivity.
Treating depression
Depression should be managed by mental health specialists, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist nurse, professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, and psychiatrist, who may already be a member of your diabetes care team. A discussion between your health providers and you should be held to determine the best treatment for you. Counseling and medication can be used to treat depression. When using antidepressant drugs, talk to your doctor about the impact on your blood sugar levels and whether you need to adjust your dosage.
Coping with chronic illness and depression
As per WHO “Chronic diseases are diseases of long duration and generally slow progression”. Depression is the most prevalent complication of chronic illness, which includes diabetes. About one-third of people with chronic conditions have depression symptoms. This is because chronic illnesses generate lifestyle changes that limit a person’s independence and mobility. A chronic sickness can also limit an individual’s activities, making them feel insecure leading to feelings of despair and hopelessness. Depression is a risk factor for about 25% of people with adult-onset diabetes.
Chronic sickness, depression, and inability put the patient in a bind. Chronic illness induces depression symptoms, while depression hampers successful chronic disease therapy. You will experience sadness and grief as you learn more about the complex issues surrounding chronic sickness. Coming to terms with reality and living with a chronic condition is a big challenge.
Coping with Depression
Try to get as much information regarding the illness, its treatment, prevention, and medication. Discuss your condition with your healthcare experts, as well as any continuing situations related to your chronic illness. If you believe that the medication you are taking is making you depressed, talk to your doctor about other options. If you suffer from chronic pain, consult your doctor about various drugs, alternative therapies, and remedies.
Maintain your involvement in the activities you enjoy. This will increase your self-esteem and gives a positive self-image. Understand the physical impacts and limits that the illness may impose on you, and change your life to bring out the best in you in times of struggle. If you are sad, do not neglect seeing your doctor or counselor and seek help as soon as possible. You must accept responsibility for managing and controlling your sickness. Follow your doctor’s prescription and recommendations.
Finding help and support
The emotional component of the disease, in addition to the medical side, can be heartbreaking to manage. Stay away from being alone. Having other people to turn to relieves your concerns and frustrations, and provides you the strength to face the sickness knowing you are not alone. Consult your therapist and/or physician for a referral to a community support group. If you don’t already have one, try to create one. You can seek assistance from friends and relatives, support or self-help groups, online support, counselors, therapists, and, lastly, from people just like you.
You are not alone against diabetes and depression
Diabetes increases your chances of becoming depressed. Be aware of the symptoms of depression, as well as the influence it has on your work performance and daily life, and seek appropriate therapy. Cope with the illness, seek help from others, and remember that you are not alone in your fight against diabetes and depression.
