Depression can be difficult to accept for many reasons. But remember that accepting help for depression is the first step. You may feel a sense of stigma and/or failure. If diagnosed with depression, you may be reluctant to use medication or to be referred to see a psychologist. You may not see the need for support for the depression itself. However, once you have tackled the first hurdle of accepting help, treatment should improve your quality of life.

Going to the doctor

If you are anxious and nervous about talking to your doctor about how you are feeling, write it down and take it with you, maybe going with a friend or family member. This can help you to find the right words. Your doctor will be able to refer you, if necessary, to someone specially trained to help you.

You might want to use Diabetes UK Careline which is a helpline run by trained counsellors, or there may be a local voluntary group in your area to put you in touch with others who might be feeling just as you do.

The Diabetes UK Careline telephone number is 0845 120 2960.
The Careline is open 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday.

Recognising depression

Your doctor may want you to fill in a questionnaire to help him/her find out if you have developed depression. Questionnaires are available from healthcare teams to help you and your doctor recognise if you have depression.

Reviewed December 2009
Next review December 2010