Staying Upbeat

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), many Diabetics face serious mental health challenges that are associated with Diabetes and its complications. In fact, having Diabetes doubles the risk of developing depression, according to the NIMH.

Questions About Diabetes?
Diabetics have physical and mental conditions that they must overcome when it comes to managing their Diabetes. Not only do Diabetics often have to deal with the physical effects of the disease, such as high blood pressure, stress, and obesity, but they also have to face the knowledge that Diabetes is a disease for which there is no cure.

Often, once a person begins to show signs of Diabetic side effects, the person will also feel depressed. As Diabetes worsens, depression often worsens.

If you believe that you may have depression, take a moment to read through the following depression checklist or take our depression quiz:

• Feelings of persistent sadness or anxiety

• Feelings of “emptiness”

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness

• Loss of interest in hobbies and other activities, including sex

• Fatigue and lethargy

• Insomnia, waking early, or oversleeping

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering facts

• Indecisiveness

• Loss of appetite or weight

• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

• Restlessness or irritability

Treatment

There are many treatments for depression, depending on the type and severity of the depression that you have. Some people will feel better simply by speaking with a therapist. Others may need special medications to help control their depression. Some people even claim that herbal supplements, such as St. John’s wort, help to clear their depression effectively.

Here is a site that specializes in helping individuals deal with stress management. Reduce Stress - Partnering with you on stress & about living with stress, symptoms, treatment, stress management, dealing with stress, and more.

Alternatively, you can check this one out Feel Healthy Again. Depression, Stress, Weight, Exercise, Healthy Eating and Diets all affect our health and how upbeat we feel. "Feel Healthy Again" is another site that takes a holistic view on addressing depression and how to feel healthy again.

Before beginning any herbal or medicinal treatment, it is important to discuss your condition with your physician. Some medications interact badly or could cause harmful side effects in your body. Therefore, always ask your doctor for advice when it comes to beginning a new treatment plan.

Treats to ourselves for the home often help us feel better about the world around us.