Depression and diabetes often goes hand in hand. While this is an unfortunate fact for individuals that suffer from the complications associated with diabetes, it is true. We all come across times in which we feel a little on the depressive side. If this sad feeling lasts for longer than just a brief episode, you may be experiencing true depression. Depression is a mental condition that leaves an individual feeling high levels of despair for an extended amount of time. If you are an individual that experiences diabetes, it does not necessarily mean that you will develop depression, but it does mean that your chance for experiencing the condition is higher.

The Cause of Depression in Diabetic Patients

The cause of depression in diabetic patients is actually the center of many research projects that are currently being conducted. It is still unclear as far as specifics of the development of this condition are concerned, but there are many different theories. Many believe that the depression develops as a direct result of the metabolism and glucose complications that are common with patients. Many feel as if the complications associated with diabetes in general affect the various nerves in the body. As a result of the nerve damage that is experienced, chemicals and messages that are necessary for the proper functioning of the brain is interrupted.

Coping with Depression and Diabetes

Coping with depression and diabetes can be extremely challenging , regardless of whom you are and the severity in which you suffer. If you find that you suffer from this mental health condition, there are several coping techniques that you can use in order deal with what you are experiencing in a productive manner:

1. The first thing that you should do is ensure that you are following the diabetes treatment plan that your doctor has outlined for you. This will ensure that your glucose and metabolism levels are as close to normal as possible.

2. The next method of coping is learning as much as you possibly can regarding depression. You should learn what treatments are available for the condition. You may choose to meet with a mental health counselor, or you may choose to take natural supplements such as St. Johns Wort . The choice is yours.

3. You should evaluate your medications. Look at both over-the-counter as well as prescription based medications. There are many medications that have the side effect of depression. If you find that something that you take on a regular basis is affecting your mental health, you should make an appointment with the doctor that you use for further information on how to proceed with that medication.

4. The next thing that you should do is to evaluate your lifestyle choices. Smoking, drinking, irregular sleep patterns, levels of inactivity and similar choices may have an impact on how you feel mentally. If you find that your choices as far as your lifestyle are affecting your mood, make every effort to change those things.

5. Talk to someone. Having a good support system can assist in your overcoming depression.

While depression and diabetes is a situation that is challenging, educating yourself on the conditions and how they respond to one another can assist you in overcoming the complications that you face.



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