In the end it's a matter of context. Successfully controlled diabetes is well down on the list or terrible things that happen to people. Of course the first few days are a downer and I think it's okay to be a bit sad for a while--but then get back to counting your blessings instead

it's not as bad as it used to be - there's plenty of support groups out there, plenty of food alternatives and certainly a lot more education than there used to be!

When i was finally admittidly and told I was reallya full blown diabetic after years of being " borderline" I was happy. I mean i still dont get depressed over my diabetes.
I was one in a million as my own drs said. I embraced it accepted it and so the testing is just something else I have to do like brushing my teeth or putting on glasses.

I try to encourage those that I meet or come to me for consultation to take up the same thinking. Its just a part of you. You take care of your teeth, eyes and eat.. this is just a poke and you can still do what you want and eat in moderation everything in the world!
unlike what I am doing right now eating homemade spring rolls..........moderation exercise afterwards.. moderation.. exercise....

hehe
julie

That sounds like an extremely healthy and upbeat attitude
to have! I think many people would benefit to feel the same!

I got al ittle depressed at first, but I have gotten so used to the lifestyle now that it doesn't bother me anymore. I know some people who got really depressed though, and they needed medication to get better.

I was depressed once in my life..... thats was horredous. Not for me only but for my family. I was put on effexor and discovered that it made things worse. My depression was not physical, though it was showing up effects. It ws more mental in dealing with a bunch of things that were all external and had nothing to do with teh diabetes. I was stressing out.
I think most depression in diabetics is not so much physical but mental. Somuch to cope with, so much information and the old images of diabetes.
I was just reading an article in Diuabetes health about twin brothers who just celebrate dtheir 101 birthday. They were born diabetic and up until teh 1920s when insulin came out they had to just watch their diets. It was all they had.
The article was amazing. the only had Urine spill over test strips to detect how high they were. But here they are alive and kicking at 101.

Its not just your own attitude its your families. I know some families and I get it too from strangers. Ill go in to a restaurant and order something theyll ask if id ike dessert adn my husband or I will say not thank you,, they try and we sinmply sa " im/she daibetic" i get these looks like Oh I am so sorry......... or how awful...

we talk and get excite dthen I do order desert but with three spoons. thank heaven teenagers can eat everything, I just whip out my vial and take a small shot to compensate. Iwtch my carbohydartes very very carefully, and now with South beacj diet its easier and I can splurge on something dessert because I eat better than before. I then go home and sleep or do laundry or some exercise and I can feel my mood change.

attitude is everything.. funkafying it makes it even better, accepting it and not looking at gloom and doom is best. Bceaus eftar all,, its just apart of you... like your two ears or a runny nose.

I don't think your life has to totally change, you just have to add something to it, before long it will just become a regular part of your life. I don't think you have to be consumed, just cautious. I'm sure you could find a support group to help you through the depression. I'm sorry you feel this way, my heart goes out to you.

I was very depressed and more than a little shell shocked. I have missed out on my early opportunities to ask questions of the educator that I saw because I was kind of numb at the time.

For me it wasn't the lifestyle thing because my lifestyle is pretty healthy. It was the fact that I faced so many complications down the line, and that I faced a shorter life. I have a very young child, and so that kind of hit me.

It's all fairly recent, but things are looking up, I am happier.

britjojo the best thing about learning is that it isn't to late to seek the information you need. Ok, you weren't emotionally able to seek that information early on, but it's still available and your in a better place to understand it.

I just want people to know that it's *OK* to be depressed from time to time. Well, not ok, but NORMAL. Living with diabetes can be very tough, and often it involves changes to every aspect of your life.

People often get depressed from the "daily grind" of diabetes care, or the thought of future complications. Diabetes can be a very big burden for some, especially if your diabetes care takes up a large portion of your day, you find it hard to control your blood sugars, or you have diabetes related complications. Still others may be worried that their children will develop the disease as well. All kinds of things that are valid reasons!

Some people feel guilty, frightened, confused, and overwhelmed. There is a wide range of emotions that can be experienced, and that is completely normal. It's ok to grieve from time to time, but it's not so great to stay in that mindset long-term. Remember that you may HAVE diabetes, but it is not WHO you are. I'm not going to lie and say diabetes won't affect your life. It will. Sometimes it will be a challenge. But you need to believe that you are strong, and that you will do the best that you can. That is all you need to do! Realize that you will have to do everything in life everyone else does with a little extra deal called diabetes. Don't expect perfection, and pat yourself on the back when you need it!


The key is how to *deal* with these feelings. It's ok to be sad about sad things. You can't change what has happened to you, but you can change how you cope with what happens in the future. Education is the key. The more you know about diabetes, the better off you will be. If you don't know or understand something, ask! Ask your doctor, diabetes care nurse, or here right on this forum!

All of the things people do to control their diabetes, such as exercise and healthy eating, can also help depression as well. You may also find that you feel less depressed as your diabetes control improves. It's hard to feel good mentally when you feel sick physically. Yoga, meditation, and talking to a counsellor all are things that can help.

In very severe cases of depression that affect your daily functioning, or if at any point you feel suicidal, talk to your doctor RIGHT AWAY. These are cases where medication and therapy need to considered without delay.

I am not ashamed to admit that I get frustrated and terrified by this disease! And I have had it my entire life! I know quite a bit! I just want everyone to know that while it's great to have a positive attitude, also don't be ashamed if you have bad days as well as good days!

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Pre-Med Student