I have a good A1C and stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine.
But this year has been particularly hard for me to beat the blues, and I'm finding this is impacting my lifestyle.
I've been told that diabetes are at high risk for depression but I don't want to buy into this.
Does anyone have any advice on dealing with the blues and also determining if you should be treated for depression?
Ashley,
From my non-scientific, non-research based point of view, I believe that there can be some correlation between Diabetes & Depression. My thoughts are that with the blood sugar changes and the drugs we take to support our health, there is definitely an opportunity for something chemical to be off in our brains. (And again, I'm not a doctor, so take that for what it's worth.)
I remember seeing a video on dLife a while back in which the speaker talked about the need to have your "team" of medical support, which should include your endocrinologist, eye doctor, diabetes educator, nutritionist, and counselor. I would recommend that you look at adding someone from the counseling side, whether that is a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor. I also recommend that you try to start with discussion therapy before you add drugs, as that increases the possibility of drug interaction issues and side effects.
We all have our issues to deal with, and for some of us, that includes depression and/or the need for counseling. Others may be able to add their perspectives on this as well.
Good luck!
I just posted a lengthy reply and managed to delete it...sigh.
Yes, Depression is more common in people with Type 1 Diabetes. But nobody can tell you whether you just have, as you say, "the blues", or clinical depression which is called Major Depressive Disorder or MDD. Only a mental health professional can determine that. I strongly encourage you to get a referral to one to do an assessment. I don't recommend seeing your PCP for this as many people do. They will either do a ten question survey that is virtually useless, or they won't even do that but will just write you a prescription for an anti-depressant. A mental health professional will do an extensive interview Assessment and then will, if warranted, refer you to professionals such as a therapist for group or individual therapy, a case manager if needed and a psychiatrist if needed. A psychiatrist is the person qualified to determine if you would benefit from an anti-depressant and then to find the right one at the right dose. That is their area of expertise. It can take awhile to find the right med and dose and a PCP is not knowledgeable enough in this area.
Many people, both on here and in your personal life will give you some excellent suggestion for dealing with "the blues" that many people just call "depression". If the blues is what is going on those things will help a great deal, and some of them are things a counselor or therapist will suggest as well. But if you have clinical depression (MDD) they won't be sufficient and you will feel frustrated. So I encourage you to get assessed. Following the assessment you can follow all the recommendations, get a second opinion, follow some of the recommendations, or whatever feels right for you. But making the determination whether it is MDD or just the blues is crucial to avoid frustrated efforts to "cheer up"; many well-meaning people tell this to people with MDD who find they are not able to do this without some form of professional support. It's a condition like any other, and one you as a PWD may be more subject to than people ; it's definitely nothing to feel ashamed of, and things can get better!
Just to echo what Zoe has said, if you go to see a psychologist or psychiatrist they will be able to use a tool (like a survey that has been scientifically tested to be reliable) to tell if it's just the blues or something more.
However, I'd say as a rule of thumb if you feel the persistent low mood linger longer than about 2 weeks, it's probably a good idea to get it checked out by a professional.
Speaking as someone who has struggled with depression and didn't seek help for years, I'd like to tell you that the sooner you deal with a problem the easier it is to get over. The longer you leave it the more it builds and builds. So if you're not sure rather be safe than sorry!
I am on the second year with D. I am still not doing well, so I understand your feelings. I've tried counseling and all sorts of stuff. I still in the phase there I desperately don't want this. The acceptance is the key to feeling better I've been told.