Dealing with depression
Addressing mental health issues
People with diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression as the general population and the risk is higher for women than for men. As many as one in three people with diabetes suffer a significant loss in their quality of life due to their depression. Yet,significantly, the report, 'Diabetes: State of the Nations 2005', published by Diabetes UK, has highlighted the lack of recognition and psychological support for people with diabetes.
So what exactly is depression, how are these two conditions linked and what can people with diabetes do to be aware of depression and address it before it becomes serious?
Depression or just a bit down?
For practical purposes, it’s important to be able to distinguish between feeling ‘a bit down’ and feeling depressed. The symptoms of depression are:
- persistent sad, irritable or ‘empty’ mood
- loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
- significant change in appetite or body weight (gain or loss)
- difficulty sleeping, waking very early (feeling sad) or oversleeping
- feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, guilt
- decreased energy, fatigue, feeling ‘lacklustre’
- restlessness and irritability
- difficulty concentrating and remembering
- recurring thoughts of death or suicide
If five or more of these factors are present every day for more than two weeks and interfere with daily routines such as work, diabetes self-care, childcare or social life, it is important that you visit your GP or discuss it with your healthcare team.
Treating depression
Depression won’t just go away. It needs to be treated - by antidepressants, therapy (counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy or psychotherapy), or by a combination of therapy and antidepressants. It’s also important to be aware that depression can be mild, moderate or severe. Your GP will diagnose whether or not you have depression, determine how severe it is and decide on the appropriate treatment for you.
- Antidepressant drugs
- Talking therapies
- Time to adapt
Further information
To speak to a trained counsellor with an understanding of depression, call the Diabetes UK Careline on 0845 120 2960.
Depression Alliance (for information, support and advice about treatment) – call 0845 123 2320, email Information@depressionalliance.org or go to their website.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy provides information about counselling and therapy as well as details registered counsellors across the UK working in private practices – call 0870 443 5252.
Samaritans – call 08457 909090 (lines open 24 hours a day).