Dealing with depression and diabeties?
Q.I know lots of diabetics suffer from depression, and vice versa. Anyone have any tips for me? Sites, books, whatever? I've been clinically depressed for years, and finding out I am diabetic 2 weeks ago hasn't helped the situation. I thought I had my depression well managed but now I feel like everything is spiraling out of my controll.
A.I deal with bipolar so I understand what you go through. I agree with Tiger Lily, get a hold of your counselor and book some extra sessions. I went through a major episode after diagnosis. I have a great therapist now and she walked me through the worst of it. It is a greiving process and you will probably go through all the stages. Don't be afraid to post here if you're feeling too down. With some good medical help, a good counselor, and a good support network it eventually gets easier. There are depression support groups on usenet. Alt.support.depression.recovery.sanctuary is a good moderated group. Some of the unmoderated ones can be a bit hard to take when feeling vulnerable. You have taken the first and most important step by admitting there is a problem and you are willing to do something about it. You are on the right track by discussing it here. Talk about it to others that have been through the same things. Do those things that Kate recommended. When you are feeling down and blue it is time to get on the phone, go talk to someone if you can or post it here that you need some encouragement. You are not alone. Many of us have been through exactly the same things that you are now experiencing. I was warned about depression after bypass surgery. "Moi?" never....So I got depressed. Remembered my Swedish dad's trick. (Scandanavians are very prone to gloom & doom depressions) He used to grab a couple of good books, a hefty drink, and go to bed for at least a full day. Found it works for me, too, because it feels like a balancing indulgence. finding out you are diabetic can contribute to "situational" depression. That's a bit different than chronic depression. The main difference is that as you come to grips with the "situation" the depression will diminish. "Clinically" depressed is a different ballgame. Are you taking meds for it or seeing anyone? the most important goal became a resolve to beat this beast. So I learnt what I could and worked on it. In a way, one of the reasons I still post and read here is part of my own personal anti-depression therapy. Ego-trip? Hey - if it works for you, do it. It can help your own feelings of self worth to feel that in some small way you may be helping others. I'm sorry, there are no easy answers. But, if you read here long enough, one of the things which I find helpful is reading posters who mention almost as an aside afflictions that would scare me silly, but they are getting on with their life; not always cheerfully, but not always moaning. And I reflect on how lucky I am to be me, and not them.
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