How Diabetes Affects Mental Health Everything You Need To Know About Diabetes Diabetes Support Site Website http://diabetessupportsite.com/
Feb 18, 2017
How Diabetes Affects Mental HealthEverything You Need To Know About Diabetes
Diabetes Support Site
Websitehttp://diabetessupportsite.com/
What exactly is Mental Health?
All of us suffer from
mental health
problems at times,
and such temporary
problems do not
necessarily lead to
mental illness.
However, being
mentally unhealthy
limits our potential
as human beings
and may lead to
more serious
problems.
Mental ill health refers tothe kind of general mentalhealth problems we canall experience in certainstressful circumstances;
for example, workpressures can cause us to
experience:
poor concentration
mood swings and
sleep disturbance
Such problems areusually of temporary
nature, are relative to thedemands a particular
situation makes on us andgenerally respond to
support and reassurance.
Mental Health is AboutHow we feel about
ourselves
How we feel about others
How we are able to meetthe demands of life
Mental health includes ouremotional, psychological,and social wellbeing. Itaffects how we think, feel,and act. It also helps
determine how we handlestress, relate to others,
and make choices. Mentalhealth is important atevery stage of life, from
childhood andadolescence through
adulthood.
Early Warning Signs Of Mental Health Problems
Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning signs of a problem:
Eating or sleeping too much or too little
Pulling away from people and usual activities
Having low or no energy
Feeling numb or like nothing matters
Having unexplained aches and pains
Feeling helpless or hopeless
Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
Yelling or fighting with family and friends
Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
What is the definition of mental wellness?
Mental Wellness.
According to the World
Health Organization,
mental health is
defined as “a state of
wellbeing in which the
individual realizes his
or her own abilities,
can cope with the
normal stresses of life,
can work productively
and fruitfully, and is
able to make a
contribution to his or
her community.”
Positive mental health allows people to:
Realize their full potential
Cope with the stresses of life
Work productively
Make meaningful contributions to their communities
Ways to maintain positive mental health include:
Getting professional help if you need itConnecting with others
Staying positive
Getting physically active
Helping others
Getting enough sleep
Developing coping skills
Diabetes and Mental HealthDiabetes diagnosis can
often lead to anger,
denial, fear or
depression. These can
range from mild
feelings of irritation
through to serious
depression.
Diabetes and mental
health is a serious
issue that needs better
consideration and a
range of care solutions.
Like many mental
health problems, those
caused by diabetes are
often underestimated
or ignored.
Diabetes and Mental HealthDiabetes and Anger
Anger is a common
response to diabetes,
and is completely
natural. People who
have been diagnosed
with diabetes may
wonder why it has
affected them when
many of their friends or
relatives do not have
the condition.
Diabetes diagnosis is
unfair, and sometimes
anger can lead recently
diagnosed diabetics to
neglect their diabetes
management or
diabetes treatment.
Diabetes and
Denial
Denial is another
common emotion
felt following
diabetes diagnosis.
Denial is a difficult
emotion, and
happens when
people refuse to
believe that
something has
happened to them.
Many people
experience denial
upon diagnosis.
Diabetes and Fear
Fear is another
common response to
diabetes diagnosis.
Fear occurs when
contemplating the
present and future
managing diabetes
causes fright.
Diabetes is a serious
condition that requires
regular management,
therefore fear is a
natural response.
However, if fear is
preventing you from
managing your
condition it can
become a serious
problem.
Diabetes and Depression
Diabetes can be a
difficult condition to
accept and it is not
uncommon for mental
health issues such as
depression to occur
before or following a
diabetes diagnosis.
Depression is a feeling
of sadness that will not
go away, and it can
seriously affect quality
of life. If you have been
feeling hopeless for
more than a week you
are suffering from
depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Ongoing sad, anxious, or empty feelings
Feeling hopeless
Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
Feeling irritable or restless
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyable, including sex
Feeling tired all the time
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, a condition called insomnia, or sleeping all the time
Overeating or loss of appetite
Thoughts of death and suicide or suicide attempts
Ongoing aches and pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease with treatment.
Depression and Diabetes: Understanding the Link
Studies have shown
that if you have
diabetes, you are at
increased risk of
becoming depressed
— in fact, you might
have double the risk,
according to one study.
The exact reasons
aren’t fully understood,
but the stresses
associated with having
diabetes are thought
to play a part.
In addition to possibly
increasing your risk for
depression, diabetes may
make symptoms of depression
worse. The stress of
managing diabetes every day
and the effects of diabetes on
the brain may contribute to
depression. People with
diabetes are twice as likely as
the average person to have
depression.
At the same time, some
symptoms of depression may
reduce overall physical and
mental health, not only
increasing your risk for
diabetes but making diabetes
symptoms worse. For
example, overeating may
cause weight gain, a major
risk factor for diabetes.
Fatigue or feelings of
worthlessness may
cause you to ignore a
special diet or
medication plan
needed to control your
diabetes, worsening
your diabetes
symptoms. Studies
have shown that
people with diabetes
and depression have
more severe diabetes
symptoms than people
who have diabetes
alone.
STRESS AND DIABETES
Occasional stress is normal. You’re
bound to experience stress if you
have a lot on your plate at work or
in your personal life.
There may also be a link between
stress and diabetes. Managing
blood glucose and other aspects of
diabetes can be timeconsuming
and stressful. Stress can make
you:
feel anxious, moody, or nervous
experience upset stomach or
diarrhea
breathe faster
have an increased heart rate
Stress not only makes everyday
life less enjoyable, but it can also
make diabetes more difficult to
manage. You may experience an
increase in blood pressure, as well
as high blood glucose, or sugar
(hyperglycemia).
CONSEQUENCESOF DEPRESSION& STRESS FOR
DIABETICS
Studies suggest thatpeople with diabetes who
have a history ofdepression are more likely
to develop diabeticcomplications than those
without depression.Equally the chances ofbecoming depressedincrease as diabetescomplications worsen.
Research shows thatdepression leads toimpaired physical andcognitive functioning,
therefore a person is lesslikely to follow a requireddiet or medication plan.
It is common symptom of
people with depression to
lose interest and motivation in
looking after themselves and
their health. Even at mild
levels, depression can
adversely affect glycemic
control and a person’s ability
to perform diabetes selfcare.
Anxieties may be triggered by
the burdens of having a
chronic disease and by
diabetesspecific factors such
as having to inject insulin and
living with the threat of acute
diabetic symptoms and long
term complications. Another
revealing statistic is that
diabetes is a leading cause of
illness and death for people
affected by schizophrenia
related disorders.
How is chronic depression treated in people who have diabetes?
Depression is diagnosed and
treated by a health care
provider. Treating depression
can help you manage your
diabetes and improve your
overall health. Scientists
report that for people who
have diabetes and
depression, treating
depression can raise mood
levels and increase blood
glucose control. Recovery
from depression takes time
but treatments are effective.
At present, the most common
treatments for depression
include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy
(CBT), a type of
psychotherapy, or talk
therapy, that helps people
change negative thinking
styles and behaviors that may
contribute to their depression
Selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI), a type of
antidepressant medication
that includes citalopram
(Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft),
and fluoxetine (Prozac)
Serotonin and norepinephrine
reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), a
type of antidepressant
medication similar to SSRI
that includes venlafaxine
(Effexor) and duloxetine
(Cymbalta).
Some antidepressants may
cause weight gain as a side
effect and may not be the
best depression treatment if
you have diabetes.
SOCIAL EFFECTS OF DIABETESDiabetes is more than a
health condition. For most
people, it’s a new way of life,
and it affects relationships in
all areas as much as it affects
eating and physical activity.
Trying to follow a diabetic diet
can be trying in social
situations.
Family or friends may appear
offended by the person who
will not eat a piece of
homemade pie or other
dessert. It can be difficult to
avoid overindulging in the
presence of people who eat
large quantities of food.
People with diabetes may
have to refrain from some
group activities due to the
need to monitor or maintain
their blood sugar, leading to
stigmatization or group
isolation.
SportsSports are an importantpart of many people’slives. Teamwork,
camaraderie, and physicalactivity are vital parts of a
wellrounded life.Diabetes doesn’t have toalter that. Exercise isessential in diabetesmanagement, and
participation in sports canprovide this and otherbenefits. But it does
require some extra effortby the diabetic.
One important componentis tracking the effect ofexercise on glucoselevels, reacting to
changes with Insulin orfood. The varying lengthsand intensity of games
and practices will need tobe accommodated.
On the Job
When a person with Type1or Type 2 diabetesenters the work force,
they could have had theircondition for some timeand understand their
requirements. There areno concrete steps to
follow when meshing workand diabetes, becauseeach person’s situation isdifferent. In certain jobs, it
may not ever benecessary for the
employer or coworkers toknow you have diabetes.
In other situations,reasonable
accommodation may haveto be requested .
Here are some factors toconsider:
Is the job flexible so youcan monitor glucose, eatsnacks, and/or take
insulin? If the specifics ofthe job or work
environment don’tautomatically
accommodate theseneeds, talk to your
employer about adjustingthe requirements of yourposition or schedule.
Does the job require
the employee to do
activities that could be
dangerous in the
occasion of
hypoglycemia?·
Do certain
requirements of the
job, such as rotating to
a midnight shift, cause
disruptions of sleep
cycles and meal times
to the extent that
glucose levels become
difficult to manage? In
such a case, a doctor’s
letter may help you get
the employer to
accommodate this.
Family Impact Due to DiabetesEmotional Stress
When a family member isdiagnosed with diabetes,emotional stress impactsthe whole family. Spousesmay feel stressed as theyassist with new meal
planning and medicationmanagement. Childrenmight feel anxious aboutchanges in family routinesincluding additional doctorvisits, daily blood glucosemonitoring and expanded
exercise routines.
Families might findthemselves faced with
hospital stays, medicationadjustments or more
lifestyle changes in orderto cope with healthcomplications from
diabetes.
Communication Stress
Families dealing withdiabetes can suffer from
communicationchallenges. Parents
whose adult children havediabetes may feel
compelled to provideregular reminders abouteating, exercise and
medications, causing thediabetic sufferer to feelscolded or nagged.
Communicationsometimes disintegrates
as family membersstruggle to find new waysto communicate about theongoing issue of living
with diabetes.
Mealtime Changes
The family member who
prepares the meals may
make significant changes to
help the diabetic. Fried foods,
greasy side dishes and
sugary desserts may be
replaced with baked foods,
raw vegetables and fresh fruit,
possibly causing dissent or
confusion within the family.
Servings may be smaller and
snacks discouraged.
These changes may feel
forced upon the family
members who are not ill.
However, most components
of a diabetic diet are healthy
for everyone, making the new
meals plans a beneficial
change for every family
member. Open
communication about how
each person feels about
mealtime changes can help
everyone adjust.
Support Groups
At any stage of life,knowing others who havebeen through the sameexperiences as you have,or that you are about toendure, can help you
through. Socializing withpeople who understand
your needs andresponsibilities can berelaxing and fun. And
helping others get throughthings you’ve alreadymastered may be most
rewarding of all.
Local and online supportgroups can make a majordifference in how youhandle your diabetes.
THE EMOTIONALAND
PSYCHOLOGICALEFFECTS OF
DIABETES
For people with diabetes,
managing their emotional health
can be as important as keeping
their blood sugar under control.
The condition requires constant
attention, and that can trigger
feelings of stress and anxiety.
Studies have shown that diabetics
are much more likely to have an
anxiety disorder or depression.
They may neglect their diet, stop
monitoring glucose levels, or revert
to unhealthy habits.
People who are experiencing the
emotional burden of having
diabetes feel drained mentally and
physically on a daily basis; they are
angry, scared, and/or depressed
when they think about diabetes;
and they feel that diabetes controls
their lives. They are also likely to
express concern that they will end
up with serious longterm
complications and to feel
overwhelmed by the demands of
living with diabetes.
POSITIVE WAYS TO DEAL WITH DIABETESEducate Yourself:
The more you learn, the more
empowered you’ll feel. The
diagnosis doesn’t mean life is over.
You can begin an even better life
that includes taking better care of
yourself and understanding your
body.
Open Up to Family and Friends:
Rather than shutting out people
who care, invite them to support
groups. Involve your family and
friends in your diabetes care. Let
them know how you’re feeling. Tell
them that if you seem angry
sometimes, it may be due to your
own frustration. Give them articles
to read.
Assemble a Solid HealthCare
Team:
Find a doctor, dietitian, pharmacist,
diabetes educator, and others who
make you feel comfortable about
sharing your feelings.
Set Realistic Goals:
Unattainable objectivesjust set you up for
disappointment. In tryingto live a healthier lifestyle,do the best you can andaccept that you won’t hit100 percent every time.
Focus on the Positive:
Rather than dwell on theprospect of developingcomplications someday,consider the healthful
behaviors you’re learningand how those new habitswill help you lose weightor boost your confidence
and keep you fromdeveloping complications.
Get Help if You Need It
If strong negative emotions
linger for more than a year or
affect how you function
overall, you may need help
from a psychologist or
psychiatrist. Ask your doctor
to give you a referral.
You can overcome negative
feelings by reading a positive
book about diabetes. Talking
about your feelings with close
friends, joining a discussion
website on the Internet like
this site.
The more educated you
become about the disease,
the more you can do to
improve your health, Diabetes
is something you can control.
Everything You Need To Know About Diabetes
Diabetes Support Site
Website
http://diabetessupportsite.com