Diabetes is among the most common health concerns. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are more than 25.8 million people in the United States currently suffering with the disease. Given that it so common, special attention should be drawn to the other aspects affecting the wellness of people suffering with it. That’s because it’s also known that people who have diabetes run a greater risk of developing depression.
The reasons aren’t entirely clear. There is some research that suggests depression is a risk factor for diabetes sufferers because the disease causes hormonal imbalances which can affect how the brain functions. It’s also known that suffering with diabetes can cause you to feel isolation, and the stress of managing the disease could also make people more prone to poor self-care or feelings of lacking control.
So, if you do suffer from diabetes, how can you ensure that you avoid slipping into bouts of depression? Well, the first step is always in recognising when there is a problem. If you notice the symptoms of depression becoming a part of your life then speak to your doctor about the possibility of it. It is possible that your doctor could prescribe you anti-depressants, but depression can usually be reduced by regular exercise and an improved diet.
Of course, if you have depression and diabetes at the same time it becomes important to learn how to manage both of the conditions simultaneously. Group therapy is an option that works very well for a large number of people.
Rather than trying to eliminate stress from your life (which usually only results in putting yourself under more stress) the therapy allows you to learn to communicate more easily about your problems. Remember also to enlist the help of your family and friends, who can play an important role in nursing you through the tough times.
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