Diabetes and the Mind
Feeling down once in a while is normal. But some people feel a sadness that just won't go away. Life seems hopeless. Feeling this way most of the day for two weeks or more is a sign of serious depression.
At any given time, most people with diabetes do not have depression. But studies show that people with diabetes have a greater risk of depression than people without diabetes. There are no easy answers about why this is true.
The stress of daily diabetes management can build. You may feel alone or set apart from your friends and family because of all this extra work. You may also be experiencing symptoms of conditions associated with your diabetes that you didn't know existed and are going undiagnosed.
If you face diabetes complications such as nerve damage, or if you are having trouble keeping your blood glucose levels where you'd like, you may feel like you're losing control of your diabetes. Even poor communication between you and your health care team may make you feel frustrated or sad.
Depression can become a vicious cycle. It can block good diabetes self-care. If you are depressed and have no energy, chances are you will find such tasks as regular blood glucose testing or exercise too much. If you feel anxious you may over-eat. You may not feel like eating at all. Of course, this will affect your blood glucose levels.
Spotting depression is the first step. Getting help is the second.
If you have been feeling really sad, blue, or down in the dumps, check for these symptoms:
- Loss of pleasure — You no longer take interest in doing things you used to enjoy.
- Change in sleep patterns — You have trouble falling asleep, you wake often during the night, or you want to sleep more than usual, including during the day.
- Early to rise — You wake up earlier than usual and cannot to get back to sleep.
- Change in appetite – You eat more or less than you used to.
- Trouble concentrating — You can't watch a TV program or read an article because other thoughts or feelings get in the way.
- Loss of energy – You feel tired all the time.
- Nervousness — You feel so anxious you can't sit still.
- Guilt – You feel you "never do anything right" and worry that you are a burden to others.
- Morning sadness — You feel worse in the morning than you do the rest of the day.
- Suicidal thoughts — You feel you want to die or are thinking about ways to hurt yourself.
If you have three or more of these symptoms, or if you have just one or two but have been feeling bad for two weeks or more, it's time to get help. Talk to your doctor about to help you determine if the cause of your depression is the result of a medical condition or lifestyle factors.
Sexual Implications
Emotional factors can interfere with sexual feelings as well and often lead to or worsen sexual dysfunction. These include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Poor communication or conflict with your partner
Sexual and emotional issues don't just impact you; they affect your personal relationships and can create challenges of trust, intimacy, and closeness. You may feel distant or withdraw emotionally and physically because you may not feel enjoyment or you may have a fear of failure when it comes to performing sexually. Your partner may wonder if you are losing interest, or if you don't want to spend time with friends or family. These things may impact your self-esteem and the self-esteem of your partner.
Understanding how your sexual health can be affected by diabetes, stress, cardiovascular
issues and low testosterone levels can help you and your health care providers
manage this important life issue successfully.
