Is there a link between diabetes and depression

[steveo4]

I have been diabetic for nearly 30 years and for the past 5 years I have suffered from depression. It suddenly came out of the blue just started feeling really down and helpless even had suicidal thoughts this was the worst time of my life when this happened and am still trying to work out why. I have had counselling and am taking anti depressants but I feel like a timebomb knowing I can turn at anytime.

 

[noblehead]

Unfortunately there is a link Steve, really hope the meds and counselling work out for you.

 

[himtoo]

Hi Steve
Over my 43 years with the D i have had my moments and it is funny how it is the other things in life that actually triggered it for me.
job stress , and money worries , pets -- you name it but the common theme throughout was the **** D never went away and the combination can be a potent one.

it is really important to try and accept the D -- almost like a sibling and not expend your energy on something you can't change.

i'm sorry if this hasn't helped but i do feel your emotional state.

 

[Patch]

I recently read that Depression is being researched as being a direct result of inflammation in the body.

Take a look at some of these:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/colum...eak/could-depression-be-an-allergic-reaction/
http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/link-between-inflammation-pain-and-depression
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/a...sts-say-illness-caused-inflammation-body.html <Beware - that last one is a Daily Mail link!!!

This one should be of interest to us Diabetics - it mentions Omega 3:

http://www.healthline.com/health-news/aspirin-and-omega-3-work-to-fight-inflammation-022113

Good luck to you, mate. Just remember this:

;

 

[tigerlily72]

Depression is awful and as it's one of those hidden illnesses you look "ok" to the outside world. I've suffered with it on and off for probably 15yrs+. It's all the little things added up that add to the stress/anxiety and feelings of hopelessness sometimes, although it can be a major life event.

I'm currently on citalopram which I've been taking for a year. I've also completed some CBT courses (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). I was sceptical of doing these at first but have to say they were very useful and helped.

I'm sure I've read somewhere on here that diabetes and depression are linked

It may be worth checking at your doctors surgery if there are any CBT courses locally. You don't have to be referred by your doctor (well, not where I live anyway) and I self referred myself online.

Hang in there - there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

 

[ButtterflyLady]

I recently read that Depression is being researched as being a direct result of inflammation in the body.

Take a look at some of these:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/colum...eak/could-depression-be-an-allergic-reaction/
http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/link-between-inflammation-pain-and-depression
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/a...sts-say-illness-caused-inflammation-body.html <Beware - that last one is a Daily Mail link!!!

This one should be of interest to us Diabetics - it mentions Omega 3:

http://www.healthline.com/health-news/aspirin-and-omega-3-work-to-fight-inflammation-022113

Good luck to you, mate. Just remember this:

;

Keep in mind that this hypothesis has not yet been well demonstrated scientifically, and there is a lack of solid evidence that omega 3 is effective in preventing or treating depression.

 

[ButtterflyLady]

I have been diabetic for nearly 30 years and for the past 5 years I have suffered from depression. It suddenly came out of the blue just started feeling really down and helpless even had suicidal thoughts this was the worst time of my life when this happened and am still trying to work out why. I have had counselling and am taking anti depressants but I feel like a timebomb knowing I can turn at anytime.

Hi, that it suddenly came out of the blue is interesting. Have you had blood tests for other possible causes such as thyroid, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate levels? Were you on any medications when it started? Did/do you have any other medical conditions? Do you feel your current type and dose of antidepressant is effective enough? Do you feel sleepy during the day?

 

[Sobeit]

Hi @steve04. I am sorry for you u suffer in this way . I also have periods of depression.Its good that you have come on here to talk ...Dont suffer alone. I dont know where I would be without the support of my hubby as its the aloneness of it thats the most daunting but if you can share your thoughts and feelings it eases the burden. Maybe it would be worthwhile taking up the counselling again .Sending u hugs x

 

[steveo4]

I have had numerous counselling sessions as well as blood tests but still get bad days will keep on taking the medication and hope things improve

 

[ButtterflyLady]

I have had numerous counselling sessions as well as blood tests but still get bad days will keep on taking the medication and hope things improve

If your blood tests are showing no deficiencies or issues (and you should have them 6 monthly in case something develops) then I would ask for a referral to a psychiatrist to see if the diagnosis is correct and whether your meds need increasing, augmenting, or changing. There are numerous meds available and sometimes you need more than one med. For me, it was only after trying several meds and combinations that we found one that works better than the others.

Are you on any other medications? (these can sometimes cause or contribute to depression)

Do you feel sleepy during the day? (if you have a sleep disorder then treating it may help with the depression)

 

[steveo4]

I am on sertraline not sure if it is working for me have been on it on and off for about 3 years now