Common wisdom about depression dictates that the issue is a problem of missing brain chemicals, but in the diabetic patient, depression can occur because of a deep frustration with the management regime. Diabetic depression has many sources. Face it, living with diabetes can be hard. Your entire way of life must shift radically, effectively and STAY there. Daily blood sugar tests, keeping the food journal, counting points, timing strolls, even avoiding certain holiday gatherings and people can stack up like empty containers on a dock, blocking the sunlight that was once your easy going life.
And then there’s the realization that the easy going life might have contributed to the onset of diabetes.
Diabetic depression can best be understood as a frustration with managing diabetes developing into poorly managed diabetes. When you feel like your doctor is not listening, your blood sugar is never where it should be, the food you can eat is boring you to death, and your exercise regime is impossible, staying the course of treatment is just not going to happen. It’s ok. But many people beat themselves up about their inability to become diabetic turnaround miracles at precisely the same moment they have given up on following their treatment.
Diabetic depression is not about your brain chemicals, it’s about your perception of your condition.
Depression in Diabetic Patients is Real
Feeling so anxious about meeting your blood sugar targets that you cannot sleep, sudden changes in appetite or sleep patterns are clear signs that you are suffering from depression, diabetic or not. How you got there, interestingly enough, may hold the key for your recovery. Lean into your diabetes management plan to start unstacking those empty containers of false hopes, and shame.
Changing Your Diabetic Management to Lift Depression
The plan is the plan, the blood sugar level is the target, but do you need to put yourself int he crosshairs to achieve your goals? Let your doctor know that you are feeling overwhelmed by your management plan. There may be room to adjust certain time tables and food plans. Perhaps you do not feel like you have time for the exercise regime. It could be that you do not like the type of workout you have. Ask if a new one can be designed.
You might need a buddy. Join an affinity group through your local American Diabetes Association. You may need a new doctor. If you do not feel like your successes are celebrated and used to encourage you, it becomes very difficult to stay the course. You want a coach that helps you give your personal best.
Making small adjustments in the treatment plan can alter the course of diabetes and depression. Unfortunately, that does not always work. Once diabetic management has been returned to its daily routine, if the depression is not alleviated, it is time to speak with a therapist for further assessment. Denying that depression is still in your life will only increase the likelihood of your diabetes getting out of control again. Rather than allow the two to go hand in hand, reach out and take the hand of someone you trust and ask them to support you as you seek treatment for your depression. You can emerge from the shadow of diabetic depression.
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