between dealing with my depression and this burden of diabetes. this has been the worst 2 weeks I had in a while. my girlfriend decided it was too much for her to deal with. so I now have the I dont give a hoot. [ not the word I wanted to say ] I’m always tired now and I dont eat like I’m supposed too. so my diabetes medicine isnt working like they should. but my real problem is the depression I cant seem to find a happy medium. I tryed walks and keeping my self so busy but as soon as I slow down there it is a dark void just waiting to strike. its now to the point I just dont care. I’m tired of dealing with this alone. I have a brother that lives near but he always finds a reason why he cant talk or says something real stupid like snap out of it. or my favoite one it will get better.but most every one that suffers from both knows that its not always soon enough.
I’m so very sorry you’re going through this right now. I also struggle with TWO big D’s (diabetes and depression) and yeah, sometimes I want to curl up in a ball, pull the covers over my head, and just STAY there.
Things that might help:
– taking a lot of Vitamin D (get your levels checked, but most of us need to supplement unless we’re out in the sun more than we should be due to melanoma risk);
– get thee to a counselor – I’m between counselors right now, but sometimes it feels better to just have someone (anyone on this earth) to talk to about what’s going on inside – they’ve helped me gain a better perspective over the years;
– seek out comedy and humor like it’s a medicine you gotta take: rent funny movies, watch funny television shows, borrow comedy books from the library, check out funny animal videos on YouTube – I call this “mental hygiene” as it helps keep the dark clouds swept out of my brain, if only for a few hours per day – I learned this technique when I was diagnosed with melanoma – seeking out humor (and avoiding tragic dramas) really does help me get through the week, even if I’m too sad to laugh, it lifts me up out of the darkest depths long enough to think that there might be things worth living for;
– take care of a pet – the warm and fuzzy ones give us cuddles and someone to care for, which is always a good way to counteract the “I’m unlovable and no one wants me around” mental tape;
– keep trying meds – some of them work some of the time for some people. You’re worth finding out if one of them will work for you.
Depression SUCKS and getting mad at it helps sometimes, too, as in: I am NOT going to let depression win – this next round goes to me, darnitol (insert string of “blue” language here). Tell depression to eff the eff off or whatever. Don’t let yourself sink down into it if you can help it. We’re all in this with you; when you feel alone, it’s just an illusion – there are people you don’t even know who are holding you in their hearts and wishing you well. In fact, somewhere on this planet there’s a woman with a heart of gold who is just waiting to meet you because you’re the answer to her prayers.
I think you need to go to your doctor and spill it out to him. There is no stigma in going on a course of antidepressents and they can really help - if you remember to take them. You are right in that there is nothing one can do to “snap out of it”. It is a viscious cycle. You are going through a break up, you are therefore depressed, therefore you are not eating, therefore your blood sugars are up and down or settle on high, and therefore you feel physically ill and tired and therefore you are depressed …
Try talking to your doctor, and if he or she is not sympathetic (and some are not) change your doctor. Your diabetes nurse or doctor should also have some advice for you and there are leaflets out there dealing with diabetes and depression.
Meanwhile, be kind yourself. Try to set your alarm on your mobile phone to remind you to test. Set small goals for yourself and congratulate yourself on achievements, however small. Do something that you enjoy each day - a bit of retail therapy (but do not get into debt) if that rocks your boat, visit a museum or exhibition etc. I do not know what your interests are but there is something that every one is interested in. Try to eat something regularlly, test your sugar and do not beat yourself up when you have not such good results. I have a feeling the two go in hand. I have just started to come out of a severe depression, and thought I was doing okay. Went on a church weekend away and there was a lot of laughter, suddenly followed by tears! I am not sure what that was all about - except that I suddenly remembered that I had not taken my medications for depression. And it is possible to be lonely in a crowd, especially if you are single.
Another thought. If you find it difficult to talk to professionals, write them a letter and let them read it. That can open the discussion and get you some much needed help. I have done this before.
Everette, I am so sorry. I do hope and pray your depression leaves you. I am sending you a hug. (((Everette)))))))))))). I have had lost loves and it hurts but I got over them Lost my hus band when we both were young. He had leukemia. Can’t say I got over tht but have learned to go on. Prayer helps. I thnk exercise helps. Socializing with exercise has helped me. I used to go to the YMCA and I always came home feeling tired but refreshed.
thank Peppy, unfortunetly I live in a town that doesnt have those perks. and my funding is pretty limited. and I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you have family that is supportive…Huggs
thanks for the support from every one but its not the drs that are the problem for me its the insurance. and the limited help the town I live in has to offer.