Depression, Diabetes and social interaction.

I can't help you mark but I answered just to say I feel for you and hope you find a better place soon.

Where are you based Mark? Can we get you interacting with some of the meet ups to get you out and about with people that understand the diabetes? Or is that a step too far right now?

Hey @Mark-optimistic - I can sympathise with your social situation, other type 1's will say that nothing has changed, however after diagnosis I did socialise less, it was the addition of bringing my type 1 out with me that put me off going out as much as I used to and then having to think about it while I was out. Now I am on a pump it's not so much of an issue. It would help you greatly in terms of improving your mood to bring your BG levels down if you can, it would also help you to have a chat with your DSN about how you've been feeling, as it's affected your relationship then it is having a direct impact on your life, going down the road of accessing a pump could be a huge positive for you and although it requires effort I am sure given the option you would easily demonstrate the ability to manage it.

Also remember that it doesn't always have to be like this, that it can get better, no i'm not giving you false hope, but with a bit of support you could make some improvements and change how it affects your life.

DAFNE really helped me Mark - not only learning how to properly count carbs but also it was the first time I had ever really met any type 1's of a similar age. I was the youngest of the group and it did me the world of good to see other ppl managing it, sharing their tips/advice they'd learnt etc. and that they also understood how stressful it can be on occasions.

Ask your DSN about DAFNE course/local groups they might know of and as @Juicyj says tell your DSN what you've been going through and how you've been feeling...I was lucky enough once to have a DSN with type 1 and she always made a point of asking how I was feeling...I think she understood more than most the impact that life events can sometimes have on good control.

Best of luck with it all and as you've seen above there's always someone friendly and supportive on this forum.

Hi @ Mark-optimistic,

I just saw your post, and wanted to add my voice to the above comments - you are certainly not alone, and you will get through this. The DAFNE course would be a great idea - you'll learn a lot, and meet other T1s, as @mariposa84 has said. You'll be amazed at the positive psychological impact that connecting with other T1s will have; just to know that others are facing the same challenges as you, somehow changes things. I speak from personal experience - keep your eyes fixed on that light at the end of the tunnel, my friend - I expect it's nearer than you realise.

Hi @Mark-optimistic

I am sorry you are having a rough time of it. I am early LADA so my journey with diabetes has only just begun and I can't imagine how difficult it would be to be diagnosed as a young person. From what I've read on this forum, most diabetics suffer from depression at some point, whether it's early on in their diagnosis or with diabetes burnout later on.

I have suffered from anxiety and depression on and off for many years and have learned that, first and foremost, you need to look after yourself physically and mentally. This means looking after your diet, exercising and meditation/relaxation. I think if you can get your diabetes under control then you will feel better mentally (as well as physically). Isolation is a big part of depression so if you can force yourself to get out and socialise with other diabetics as suggested, that would be a double bonus! My daughter is currently experiencing her first bout of depression and anxiety and, whilst she finds it difficult to talk to others about it, I remind her than more often than not, they too have suffered from depression at some point in their lives or perhaps know someone else who does. It is a lonely condition and generally misunderstood by those who have not experienced it.

Have you had any counselling? Maybe you could ask your GP to refer you to a psychologist. It's always good to talk things through with someone who is non judgemental. Takes a weight off your shoulders and knowing there's someone offering you help and guidance is very reassuring. Good luck and keep in touch xx

Talk to as many people as you can, don't bottle it up. make the effort to reconnect with friends.

And as the saying goes, tis better to have loved and lost... Remember the good bits. If you were once happy, you can be happy again. Try to move things in the right direction just a little bit every day.

Hi Mark

This is going to sound so cliched but bear with me!!! Recognising that this is happening is the greatest step, so many men have an issue in admitting depression that you should be super proud of yourself for having the courage to step forward and talk about it.

I dont have any mental ill health issues of my own but have a sister who has suffered on and off since the age of 8 so I know what it means to watch someone you love go through something like that. Any friends that you have wont like you any less because of the way you are feeling, they might struggle at first to understand it but they will eventually. You have to try and work yourself up to texting them and asking if they want to watch a movie/have a beer/gorge on pizza, feel confident enough to make that first move.

Next, speak to your health provider they will be able to advise you on whether you are receiving the right treatment and refer you to counseling (if it's a step you want to take). I know that many diabetes teams offer support services for people who are struggling emotionally so maybe worth making a call to your community diabetes team? I know that these are pretty big things to do and if your feeling low it might be a struggle, but maybe just take one at a time and see how you get on?

I hope you begin to feel better soon, its natural with a condition like diabetes to feel sad. It sucks ass, but with care and attention to your diet you will be fine long term.......good blood sugars alone are not the cause for long-term complications they need to be combined with poor blood pressure and cholesterol too. That's three things that need to be ****......so the odds are good!

Take care of yourself and keep using this forum. What a way to get support.

Sending you a million good wishes

Hi @Mark-optimistic, just to say hi, that you're definitely not alone. What you say sounds so familiar to me. It really does get easier, brighter and happier, please take comfort from that. In the 32 years of diabetes, I've battled in and out of diabetes, just recently coming out of burn out now. Happiness and good bg levels go hand in hand. It is the likes of this forum, the understanding and acceptance that have helped me. Best wishes

Mark-optimistic said:

Hi all,

I'm here to tell you that over the past year I have suffered heavily with depression. At this moment in time I'm probably escaping the relm of sadness and weakness which is something of a miracle.

This is because I believed I could never escape the nightmare. Although now I know all that wallowing and self pitty has left my diabetes in a bad place. I have had high blood sugars for some time as my drive to control it has not been there.

My social interaction has had some serious problems as I have broken up with my long term girlfriend because of depression and have lost touch with many friends.

Where do I go from here? I see light at the end of the tunnel but i feel so much work is needed to get back to the way things were.

One love my fellow diabetics

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Hey dude, just want to say - it gets better! My diabetes was in a pretty bad place 2 years ago, I fell into a deep depression that lasted ages. However, in January I decided to get myself down the GPs, they prescribed me anti-depressants, I finally managed to get my bgs under control and haven't looked back! There is light at the end of the tunnel - I hope you find yours soon!