DIABETES & DEPRESSION
A Diabetic's Perspective
Sometimes the hardest factor of Diabetes is the struggle of depression. Diabetes is a disease that never gives you a break, you cant just forget you have Diabetes for a day, because it will remind you real quick that you are different. The thing is, being “different” doesn't have to be a negative feeling, it truly is a mindset. The true difference between someone with Diabetes and Someone without is that life reminds us with Type 1 that we need to be organized and prepared just like any normal person should be! Diabetes has taught me that I can have a normal life but only with control, and trust me that is no easy task but with hard determination we can live the life we dream!
One of the most misunderstood problems with all Diabetic’s is that as we grow and our bodies change, so does the symptoms that come from high and low glucose levels. We are constantly dealing with something new and that can make it hard to relate to friends and family or even other Diabetics sometimes!
The other side of the coin is, you can be the perfect model Diabetic and still have sugars that are out of your control. Most non Diabetic’s don’t understand that concept, most anyone that's around when I have a high or a low, almost always tend to ask what I did wrong that day. “ did you forget to give insulin after your meal?” “Did you give too much insulin?” Sometimes we can have a day where we can do everything perfectly and still have a off day with our glucose and that alone can be very discouraging at times, especially when it can last weeks at a time.
Diabetes can feel like a emotional roller coaster at times and we have to remember that everything plays apart in our health, just like we need to keep our glucose under control we also need to be healthy mentally as well. Remember that your not alone, the more we reach out and make friends and family aware of our condition the easier it gets. Sometimes people don’t understand because they don’t know any better, together lets make the world aware!
People say “Don’t let the disease control you”, I disagree completely, let the disease control all aspects of your life and watch your sugars and A1C’s improve! Diabetes has to be a lifestyle!
Studies show people with Diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to Struggle with Depression than a normal person. If you think you or someone you know might be contemplating suicide, reach out for additional help here:
Suicide Prevention Lifeline Or call 1 (800) 273-8255 (United States)