Depression and Diabetes: Treatments

Depression and Diabetes

We discussed diabetes and depression, how the sudden change thrust on someone can lead to a changed emotional state. The stages of change can be found here: Diabetes and Depression.

Depression Treatments

The treatment of depression is important. Even mild depression should be addressed with some type of treatment. Many people are not aware they are suffering from depression and seek to shake off their blues themselves. In some cases this can work, in others the depression may become worse. Worsening can occur when a self treatment seems to fail, leaving the individual feeling as if they are a failure.

For people who have never suffered from depression and are feeling the effects of a very mild case, it is possible to self treat. I must warn any one reading this that it is not recommended to treat depression on your own, the advice offered in this post is for very mild cases. If you are suffering from depression, I advise you to speak with your doctor or call a counselor.

Schedules

For mild depression, setting up a structured schedule may help. Make a list of your medication schedule and stick to it. A new diabetic may find that placing a desired activity right after a medication time will help erase the anxiety of the medicating. A favorite book, television show, or maybe shopping can help get rid of the bad feelings associated with medication. Instead of looking at blood testing and insulin injections as a chore, eventually it will become just a part of your routine.

Scheduling chores in your day can help as well. Take stock of your daily work and make a list. Place the largest chores first, tackle them, then the rest seems easy. Start with a small list, 2 to 3 things to get done. Larger lists in the beginning can set you up for disappointment until you are back in your ‘groove’.

Light Therapy

Some people who suffer from mild depression find that lights that mimic sunlight can help improve their symptoms. Special bulbs can be found in home and garden centers that offer the same spectrum as sunlight. Check the package to make sure the bulbs are safe to use in your fixtures, then place one in the area you frequent the most in your home.

Exposure to fresh air and real sunlight is wonderful for depression. If you enjoy gardening, now might be the time to explore your yard. If you do not have a yard, container gardening by a window can bring a bit of the outdoors, in.

Hanging With Friends

You’re down, you want to stay in, the phone rings and an of friend wants to go hang out. This is the time when you may feel the worst, wondering how you are going to ever go out and spend time with your friends again. Dread of needing to take medication and blood glucose monitoring supplies, fear of having a diabetic episode in public, and more. These are very real concerns, but each obstacle can be overcome.

By keeping your supplies with you, in your purse or in a wallet sized pack, you can go out again. Men may find this a larger fear than women. Not wanting to carry anything with them, afraid that they may not look ‘manly’ with a fanny pack, or other carrying case. There are cases that will fit on a belt and not be very large. Room enough for glucose tablets and a monitor, these packs can often be found in sporting supply stores. Check them out!

In the next post concerning Depression, we will discuss medications and herbal treatments.