One of the most challenging aspects of living with diabetes is coping with its emotional aspects.
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.
Stress and diabetes
Everyone has stress in their lives at certain times, but this is especially true for people who are living with a chronic disease – such as diabetes – which can often be challenging to manage.
How your mood impacts diabetes care
I’ve spent years as a psychiatrist working with people managing chronic conditions like diabetes, and I can tell you what’s going on with your mood matters as much as what’s on your plate.
Diabetes and stress management
Information for diabetes caregivers about stress related to diabetes, with suggestions for stress management.
Diabetes and depression
Learn how depression is more common among people with diabetes and can have a serious effect on overall health.
Frustration with diabetes management
Have you ever felt like you are on an emotional roller coaster when you see your blood glucose (sugar) readings going up and down with no clear explanation? You’re not alone!
