It is natural to have negative thoughts that become so overwhelming they put us into a state of inertia. It is just easier to do nothing! Experts refer to this as diabetes distress. Read on to learn how to manage this common condition.
Mental health
Diabetes and mental health are very closely linked.
Everyone can feel stressed from time to time. Managing your diabetes, as well as other life demands, can feel very overwhelming. Emotional swings can affect your blood sugar levels, so it's important that you know how to recognize mood changes or stressors and how to deal with them.
It is estimated that 30% of people with diabetes have symptoms of depression at one time or another. Sometimes people living with diabetes feel distressed, which can include feeling frustrated, sad, angry or worried. Diabetes distress is a very common condition, so do not feel that you are alone.
The articles in this mental health section explore these and other commonly seen emotional and psychological issues, and offer helpful tips on how to cope and develop management strategies.
Boost your emotional well-being through the foods you eat
Living with diabetes can be stressful, with the constant demands of management often leading to anxiety and distress. The foods you eat will impact your mental health as much as your physical health
Holiday stress & blood sugar: finding balance
The holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many people living with diabetes, they can also be one of the most stressful.
Stress-free sleep: tips for bedtime routines
“Get some sleep!” We have all heard this refrain from parents, partners, siblings and even our own children. We all instinctively know the importance of sleep.
Coping strategies for a diabetes diagnosis
Our mental health is intrinsically linked with our physical health; when we have a change in one domain, we experience a shift in the other. Getting a diagnosis of diabetes can result in a range of emotions, especially around the time of diagnosis.
10 techniques to reduce stress for Canadians living with Diabetes
As a psychiatrist, I’ve seen it time and time again -people come looking for deep explanations or complex solutions to reduce stress from living with diabetes.
