Feeling down or sad from time to time is a normal part of the human experience, however you could have depression if you’re experiencing long periods of feeling hopeless, anxious or sad.
The link between diabetes and depression
Diabetes UK states that people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression, with up to 40% of newly diagnosed people reporting that they’ve struggled with their mental wellbeing.
Is depression directly caused by diabetes?
No, depression isn’t a direct symptom of diabetes. However, diabetes is a challenging condition that’s always present, which can take a toll on your mental well-being.
Understanding the factors that can contribute to depression is key, which is why many mental health training courses Plymouth, such as //www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/plymouth/, explore the myriad reasons why someone could be experiencing psychological distress and how best to meet their needs.
How is diabetes affected by depression?
Diabetes and depression have some overlapping symptoms, such as finding it difficult to concentrate or feeling tired a lot, which can make seeking a diagnosis and appropriate treatment difficult.
If you find that you’re less likely to want to see other people or engage in your usual activities, this might be a sign that you’re experiencing depression. These feelings can also cause lapses when it comes to managing your diabetes, such as not checking your blood sugars regularly or missing medication. This can lead to significant health complications, so seeking support from your GP is recommended if you’ve been feeling this way for more than a couple of weeks.
