Diabetic and Depression

[MadameHope]

Hi

I'm fairly new to this site so little unsure on how things work on here

I've been diagnosed with type one diabetes for just over 20 years and I've had brilliant support off my mum, my partner at the time and the children's hospital I went to until I turned 18 then went to a completely new environment when I went to an adult clinic.

since then I've been discharged from the clinic for not attending, I split up from my partner for other reasons and now going to the g.p for a medical review I've been diagnosed with mild depression and high anxiety.

talking to my mum about how I've been feeling lately she asked about my diabetes and do I think it's a cause to my depression. Personally I think it is but I also told her lately I've just felt isolated and abandoned when it comes to my health.

I mean I know I sound whiny and should just deal with my problems and get them sorted but I honestly feel like no matter what I think or do to take control of my diabetes I'm not normal ... like I mean injecting 6 times a day and worrying about what I can or can't eat isn't normal!

anyway I was just wondering if anyone else ever feels like this cause I just feel like it's just me would love to see what other people think

Steph x

 

[ZACNEMMA]

Hi,
Sending love and hugs.
Xx

 

[Helenababe]

Hi Steph,

I'm not T1 so I can't help you with that, but just to say you're not on your own, and you'll get alot of support on these forums.

Best Wishes,
Helena

 

[Riri]

Hia Steph - I've had a torrid year diabetes wise and i completely know where youre coming from. I feel isolated, down and as if my whole world revolves around diabetes. It's certainly ruling me at the moment and not the other way around. This is not a good situation and I find that my work is suffering!
I like you have a good support network it's just I feel that my diabetes at the moment is totally all-consuming. I have opened up to my diabetes team and GP who only once offered me some low dose tablets to help me sleep last year. I hang on to the fact that pre January 2010 my life was normal and I say to myself every day that things will get better and I'll get my life back.
Can you get back in to the adult clinic as I do think that having the diabetes team at hand is important? Also this forum helps as you probably can see by now that you are never alone. I can almost guarantee that there will be others that have gone through similar experiences who can offer help and advice. I find it reassuring to log in to the forum and be able to talk to others in a similar situation.
Take care and please PM me if you want to talk at any time.

 

[Snodger]

Hi there
I've had it for 21 years now and have struggled with it in very similar ways to you on and off. The things that really helped put it in perspective for me were meeting others with T1 and realising that among other T1s, I *am* normal. And in fact, that we are all doing amazing things to keep up with ordinary life, and so rarely get any pats on the back for it - it is no wonder that it's so easy to feel down about that.
It's also important to get a diabetes doctor/nurse who isn't stuck in the last century and who understands how much work we have to do, physically and emotionally, and doesn't do the blame game. Are you able to do a bit of shopping around for healthcare professionals who are good? It can really help you feel like you are back in power, but it can also be hard work to gear yourself up to that kind of thing if you are feeling depressed.
like Riri I'm also happy to be PM'd if that would help.

 

[MadameHope]

hey guys

thanks for the replies really appreciate the kind words

Well on the road to recovery i've booked myself an appointment for my g.p to see me in a few weeks time and may suggest that she helps me get back to seeing my diabetes specialist ... if they can

Talking to my councillor about most of my underlying problems he's helping me tackle the issues i'm facing in life with a different approach.

I'm still getting times of feeling isolated when it comes to my diabetes but recently I've been thinking the same motto over and over so much I got it tattooed (I know I shouldn't of when i dont even know how high my Hba1c is )

would be great to know if there were anyone around where I lived round my age who also had type 1 diabetes and listen to their experiences.

Anyway i'm rambling

x

 

[Unbeliever]

MadameHope. Whenever I am inclined to feel sorry for myself as a T2 I think of T1s ! In my opiion you would ot be normal if your situation DODN@T depress you!

I see you are i Liverpool. I was bornin Liverpool bu have lived i the wilds of cheshire for some years. Even her we have support groups for those who are interested so I am sure there must be plenty in Liverpool Perhaos his wiyld be a way of meeting someone with whom to share your thoughs and experiences..
Good luck with i all. never thik you are differen because of how you feel, I would find i difficult to believe anyoe who said that they have never felt that way.

 

[fraser89]

Hey MadamHope,

I have diabetes for 22 years and have suffered manic depression through at times. I do find that my diabetes does cause a major issue when i start feeling down specially my control over it. Due to the depth of my depression during my teens i found i lost all control over my diabetes and still have not fully got it back. Me and my current partner have had ups and downs and i have noticed that at these times my control is worse, I have been discharged from my Diabetic team and are as of not yet seeing my GP for reviews (waiting on the Hospital Docs to get my appointment to me for re-registering) so currently rely on my mum and partner who due to their love for me and knowing my stubbornness have eased up on forcing the issue of control.
If you do ever want to just vent then message me im more then willing to listen, having been through similar things myself

 

[SueR]

You are not alone here..

I am a type two with insulin now added - don't think this classifies me as a type 1, because I still produce some insulin. Life seems to be one big battle from the moment you get up to the moment you go to bed.

Life without insulin was difficult at times - Byetta didn't help matters either - but life with insulin is completely different and very hard at all times. My partner is also diabetic and is also on insulin and you would think life would be easier regarding food, wrong ! We both have different tastes and likes and dislikes, so sorting out food is a nightmare. I do include fruit and veg into our diet but he won't eat the majority of them.

The winter months are hard - we are both disabled - and the lack of decent weather doesn't help. I hate days stuck in the house and not even being able to get out and do some gentle gardening. We have bikes but with the weather being so wet, cold and snowy there's no chance of getting out on them - I love riding my bike, you soon forget all of your problems and feel so invigorated after a short ride.

Bouts of depression and mood swings seem to be part of being a diabetic, it's a part of my life that I hate and wished it would go away.. Perhaps we should have our own section dedicated to depression, where we can all go and have a good moan, laugh or whatever makes us feel better.

 

[MadameHope]

hey guys,

again thank you all for your replies and support it really is nice to know i'm not the only person that feels like this and that other people with diabetes have felt down when it comes to this.

Although I havn't seen my gp yet (bloody NHS and waiting times) i'm slowly starting to manage with my control.
Not done any blood testing yet (lost my meter and not been able to get a new one) but i'm remembering to take my insulin more often which is helping less thirsty, less frequent bathroom runs and my temper is less fraied as it used to be.
I still havn't looked into any support groups or found any other diabetics within the liverpool area but once i look into it i'm sure to find somebody

x

 

[cl41re_r]

Hiya,

I live in Hertfordshire but have had a google re groups in general Liverpool area so I don't know if this is of any help:
Merseyside Diabetes Support Groups
Address: BENEC, Breckfield Centre, Breckfield Road North L5 4QT
Contact: John Roberts, Tel: 0151 222 0637
Email: [email protected]
Aim: The support group aims to provide a warm and friendly
relaxed atmosphere, where people can make friends and
share experiences. Merseyside Diabetes Support Group
hold monthly meetings the first Tuesday of every month
from 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Or this:
http://www.merseydisability.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74:merseyside-disability-groups&catid=31:general&Itemid=46

I have type 1 diabetes, diagnosed at the age of 8 and I am 26 now. Have suffered with depression which I also think is largely due to the diabetes; controlling and frustrating as it is. You're not alone

 

[gadd]

hi
i have had type 2 for twenty years get depressed mood swings are there any support groups round dewsbury wakefield
thanks

 

[termlife]

hi,
I think diabetics and depression are both combined to each other. One should try to cope with mental pressure by doing some exercise and yoga.

 

[chrissie1stella]

Hi i am 52 t2 on insulin and als have sufferes from depression for over 20 years,for the past 3 years i have also started having a binge eating disorder so my contol is vertuity non exsistent,i know i am damaging my body and all the complications but still i eat all the things i know i shouldn't but reaaly feel as though i cannot control it the only way i can explain it is it's like when a junkie needs a fix i am like that with food,has anyone else have this problem and have any advise as to how i can get to grips with this doctors just don't understand

 

[geofstaniford]

Hey MadamHope,

I have diabetes for 22 years and have suffered manic depression through at times. I do find that my diabetes does cause a major issue when i start feeling down specially my control over it. .......

Hi fraser 89,
I see that you are on insulin pump therapy. I also suffer from manic depression and recently asked my GP about the possibility of having an insulin pump (I am type 2 on four insulin injections daily, 1 victosa injection, + metformin tablets + [non-diabetic meds]). I have been having really difficult motivational problems with regard to my diabetic control. The answer from my GP was that I did not fit the NICE guidlines because of those problems. Just wondered have you found the pump useful and how did you manage to get one?

Cheers Geof

 

[NGBH]

Dear Geoff,

I am T1, have been for the last 40 years (now age 49). I havebeen on an accu-chek pump by Roche for 6 years. I do not believe the pump caused my depression and mood swings, but one year later I was put on anti-depressants and am still taking them.

The pump has worked wonders for my Hba1c 9.8 down to 7.2, but I truely hate it! Its stuck up my bra and in the heat falls out. The tubing gets caught on the kitchen drawers, and you have to change the tubing every two days. I much prefer the insulin pen, no matter how many times a day I have to inject, but alas I will continue with the pump, in the hope I get the new american pump that is tubeless.

Nicky

 

[cazgemuk]

Hi I have been t1 since 9yrs. When I was around 20 I started having symptoms of psychosis. There is now evidence that diabetes may cause schizophrenia see http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100608182645.htm
of course diabetes is also linked to the ANS system metabolic diseases etc. Now at 30 I'm trying to get my psychiatric team to look at it, as the treatment should be different. I have never had good control resulting in retinopathy requiring two surgeries under general anaesthetic and loads of laser treatment. One exacerbates the other unfortunately. There's even a special name for hallucinations people temporarily feel if they are high or low so there's no doubt to me diabetes may affect your mental state!

 

[m1dpq]

Good Morning Steph and all...

I am T2, with added complications in my medicinal and medical make-up...

But one thing i do suffer quite badly from is Depression with a chronic Illness (Dysthymia), but still suffer with it all the time... Yes it affects me but along with everything else, i am bloody stubbon and won't give up... Yes i now have to take my time and slow down the aggressive COPD saw to that, so rather than have 6yrs max, i have slowed down.. I still have days where i'm at it like a BA fly, and pay the price the following day.. but its just a way of saying up yours to nature.

Steph.. have you managed to get a meter yet? If not I have a brand new meter here somewhere still boxed.. never beeing used as my original one ceased working but One-Touch have replaced it with a new one.. so it is a spare...

Please email me privately if you want it... [mod edit email address removed]

As for other folks... How about a Chocolate Meringue made with splenda.. and filled with fresh fruits and a little vanilla ice cream... That is the first dessert in my new book.. the first one "Souper Soups" is for diabetics etc.. and selling well.. on amazon.co.uk..

Take care all..

regards

M1dpq

 

[Raie-Louise]

at least i know theres other goin through same emotions not just me
im 22(diabetic T1 20yrs) and hav had on/off depression since i was 17 everyone assumed i was more withdrawn n suggested seein a doctor
im wonderin is it safe for me to use antidepressants again ive used 3 different sorts and all end up making my symptons much worse(S-H and the S word attempts were a daily thought n diabetes care just went out the window)
maybe learning to drive and work is causing this i seem to be just terrified of everything atm i know im shy but im always thinkin the worst n cant stop gettin nervous for no reason
im just abit concerned incase the DKA decides to strike again cos the last 2x were pretty serious is there anything to reccommend or do i just try to ignore it?

 

[FoxyRoxy]

Hi All

I have just started on insulin and have bipolar/manic depression. I'm finding it really hard to come to terms with things together with planning to go back to work after being in hospital with severe hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis. Whilst I have always been treatment compliant, I don't think I really understood the full impact of being diabetic (it was just another couple of pills) so the shift from being a young, slim type 2 to being an insulin dependent LADA has come as a bit of a shock. :shock:

I'm very fortunate in that I have a wonderful hubby, great friends, a brill DSN, GP and Consultant Endocrinologist but it just feels so big and overwhelming. If anything I'm probably a bit angry that I've just been dealt another ****** card. :evil:

Anyway, apologies for the whinge. Feel better already! :roll:

Debs x