People with medical illnesses are often at a higher risk for mental health conditions. This can in turn affect the way people manage their illnesses. November is diabetes awareness month. As part of the awareness month, the next couple of blogs with cover diabetes and its link between depression, anxiety, eating disorders and serious and persistent mental illness.
Research has shown that people with diabetes have a higher rate of depression. The rate increases as complications increase. One of every three people with diabetes experience symptoms of depression.
Here are things therapists think about when treating depression and diabetes:
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Identifying which depressive symptoms influence medication compliance.
When a person is depressive they often feel decrease in energy, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, loss of interest, sadness, making it difficult to adhere to a medication regimen. Helping someone identify importance of complying with medication and assisting with depressive symptoms can help promote proper medication use and adequate blood glucose monitoring.
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Considering antidepressants.
People with diabetes are on multiple medications already. While adding another antidepressant can be cumbersome, people may need antidepressants to assist with depressive symptoms.
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Identifying ways in which depressive symptoms influence diet.
Sometimes people cope with depressive symptoms by over-eating, eating unhealthy foods, etc. Keeping track of food they eat, consulting with a nutritionist can help keep a person’s diet in balance. It is particularly important for people with diabetes to adhere to a healthy diet.
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Identifying ways in which depressive symptoms influence physical activity.
Exercise can reduce depressive symptoms.
Resources for information on depression
Health and Life-excellent blog site that talks about medical topics including treatment of depression.
Helpguide.org-lists information about causes, symptoms, and treatment of depression.
Mayo Clinic- has information regarding drug treatment options for depression.
