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Diabetes and depression

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
tigerella

tigerella

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
What are your coping strategies when you are feeling low and do you lose confidence in what you are doing ? I have had over 40 years of being type 1 and could do with some support from people similar to me.
 
I can't say that I've felt depressed, but if a bit low, I find that walking / running / cycling outdoors all help lift my mood. If weather is challenging eg wet or windy, dealing with it, with right kit, gives me a boost.
Obviously won't work for everyone, but there is good evidence that outdoor exercise can be as effective as medication in treating mild to moderate depression.
 
Agree that activity can help, as can talking/sharing with people who understand and with whom you can be completely open.

Also helpful to mention it to our clinic/GP at the next appointment so that they are aware and can assess the severity of your mood.

If uncertainty relating to diabetes self management, would it help to have a refresher of strategies/techniques - either something online like BERTIE, a respected book like ‘think like a pancreas’ or attending an education course like DAFNE which would also have the benefit of face-to-face sharing/discussion with people with T1?
 
im so sorry - I didn't see there was a thread about depression prior to the one I wrote, but my question was a little different.... are the two linked? diabetes and depression? I am feeling very similar to you hun xx
 
All chronic illnesses can be associated with depression, that seems to be just a normal reaction. The strategies outlined by the gang will certainly help, though.
 
everydayupsanddowns said:
Agree that activity can help, as can talking/sharing with people who understand and with whom you can be completely open.

Also helpful to mention it to our clinic/GP at the next appointment so that they are aware and can assess the severity of your mood.

If uncertainty relating to diabetes self management, would it help to have a refresher of strategies/techniques - either something online like BERTIE, a respected book like ‘think like a pancreas’ or attending an education course like DAFNE which would also have the benefit of face-to-face sharing/discussion with people with T1?
Click to expand...
If only it was that simple. I have done DAFNE before, getting on refresher courses arnt that simple as they are few and far between in our area, and I agree that exercise can help and I also know that there is only yourself that can solve the overall problem. I have had some councelling in the past and I am at moment working with a therapist. Maybe I'm focussing too much on perfection ie being too hard on myself. I have cut out caffeine drinks and barely drink coke due to sugar problems which are affecting my teeth. Maybe I need to focus on having some fun too.
 
hellbell84 said:
im so sorry - I didn't see there was a thread about depression prior to the one I wrote, but my question was a little different.... are the two linked? diabetes and depression? I am feeling very similar to you hun xx
Click to expand...
hi hellbell it wasn't believed so in the past but it is nowadays becoming more recognised that there is a link.
 
Hi Tigerella and hellbell

The search for perfect control seems to be a common trigger for depression with Diabetes. It took me some time and a lot of convincing that it was impossible, but I have finally got there (for now). I agreed a target of 60% of readings on target with my Consultant, and celebrate anytime that my Libre shows better than that. I still end up with a good HbA1 c, and know that for me it is the beats that I can do, and if I am giong Otto live longer by taking care of my condition, mi might as well enjoy it.

I also picked up some very simple strategies from pumpers on here that have tackled some f the things that were getting me down about my control.

Hope this helps
 
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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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