Diabetes and severe depression

Erica42

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi. I'm a Type 2 diabetic on insulin. I also have severe depression. I want to go to the gp about my depression but am worried about getting told off. I use a freestyle sensor - the previous sensor ended a week ago and I've only just replaced it. I find it so difficult to manage diabetes and depression. Just don't know what to do
 

EllieM

Moderator
Staff Member
Moderator
Messages
9,889
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Dislikes
hypos and forum bugs
Hi @Erica42
I'm a T1 and not a T2 but I'd just like to both welcome you to the forums and say that I would complain about a GP who "told me off" when coming to them for help, particularly when suffering from depression.

Diabetes can be a difficult illness to cope with, and insulin can be hard to manage. I would encourage you to be brave and see your GP. And know that these forums are a safe place to come for help, whether that is mental encouragement or tips on managing your diabetes. Or just to have a vent.

Lots of virtual hugs from New Zealand.
 

JoKalsbeek

Expert
Messages
6,449
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi. I'm a Type 2 diabetic on insulin. I also have severe depression. I want to go to the gp about my depression but am worried about getting told off. I use a freestyle sensor - the previous sensor ended a week ago and I've only just replaced it. I find it so difficult to manage diabetes and depression. Just don't know what to do
Being depressed makes you take care of yourself less. Higher blood sugars because of that lack of self-care, can feed your depression, as being high can make moods go rather low. I do think your GP should know that one feeds into the other, so they'd be more likely to help you, not tell you off. If they do, they need a stern letter to the practice manager or whatever it's called.

You do deserve help. I think they'll see that, and jump in where they can.
Hugs,
Jo
 

Lamont D

Oracle
Messages
17,604
Type of diabetes
Reactive hypoglycemia
Treatment type
I do not have diabetes
Hi. I'm a Type 2 diabetic on insulin. I also have severe depression. I want to go to the gp about my depression but am worried about getting told off. I use a freestyle sensor - the previous sensor ended a week ago and I've only just replaced it. I find it so difficult to manage diabetes and depression. Just don't know what to do
My GP was absolutely brilliant when I had my breakdown during covid.
And arranged my counselling phone call to the charity that helped me with my depression and my anxiety.
And I would also recommend the phone call to those helpline that any doctor should give you, if you want or need so to talk to. And of course there is Samaritans, or your hospitals etc.
Your post has a hint of anxious thoughts of how you are perceived, what they think of you.
It is their responsibility to do something positive.
Do help yourself, even if it is talking to someone you trust not to talk about it to anybody else. This is why, counselling is so good. And these places have counsellors that will be selected to your personal issues.
Be well, you do really want this help, so it is only a phone call. You don't have to give your name to get the details.
I have had three groups of sessions. Mind U.K. were unbelievable. And I'm so much better for their counselling.
I really do recommend them.
Best wishes.