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very depressed type 2 newly diagnosed

J

jrs16

Member
Messages
8
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Hi

Im writing this on behalf of my partner who has just come out of hospital Apart from his op, he has been diagnosed as Type 2 diabetic, on gliclazide and diet. Hes very depressed (just been put on Citalapram), doesnt feel like eating, wont drink enough, wont go out or exercise. He is a chronic insomniac (prescribed Tamazapam), cant sleep, so sleeps during the day. I really dont know what to do or how to get him to take care of himself. Any suggestions, has anyone else experience of feeling like this?
 
Hi and welcome. I'm sorry to hear of your partner's problem. Can I ask what diet advice he has been given and whether his weight is average or a bit on the high side?
 
Daibell said:
Hi and welcome. I'm sorry to hear of your partner's problem. Can I ask what diet advice he has been given and whether his weight is average or a bit on the high side?
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He has to take blood sugar readings and been told to have low sugar foods but because he is so thin (they said he was malnourised in hosp) hes lost a lot of weight and so needs to put weight on, so its very confusing as to what to give him to eat. He is having Citalapram for depression (hes been told that it will take 2 wks to take effect, hes been on it for a week) Temazapam to sleep (but he cant manage more than 2 hrs at a time) and gliclazide, 2 in the morning and 1.5 in the evening.
 
Ok the first thing is there are a lot of things he can eat and enjoy, the essential thing is to replace the sugar and carbohydrate in the diet with fats, oils and too a lesser extent protiens.
It really means cutting downvery hard on carbohydrates like bread, breakfast cereal, pasta, coouscous, potatoes, rice and avoiding fruit high in sugars,

S
 
Hi and thanks. I agree with Sirmione that your partner should increase the fats and proteins. If he still loses weight and the blood sugar creeps up then see the nurse just in case he is T1 and not T2.
 
Hi @jrs16 and welcome to the forum. I get depressive episodes from time to time and can understand that is difficult to think about diet or exercise when one is in depression. I can barely get out of bed at times, and eating is just the minimum to keep going.

Once the Citalopram starts to take effect it should be easier to eat and exercise more. I think 2 weeks before it takes effect is a bit optimistic. It takes a bit of time before the meds build up in your body and start to kick in. I find it takes 4-6 weeks before meds start to take effect, and about 8 weeks before I start to feel 'normal'. If your partner isn't starting to feel better after 6 weeks he needs to talk to his GP about changing meds.

Your partner should start some exercise. Exercise makes the body release 'feel good' endorphins. Walking somewhere green will help him feel better. I find walking around the park, especially when the sun is shining, helps to lift my mood, increasing the length over time. Exercise will also tire him and help with sleep, and also increase his appetite.

As @Sirmione and @Daibell say diet is important in controlling Type 2 diabetes. It is important to cut out sugar and carbohydrates as much as possible. Oily fish rich in Omega oils, such as salmon, tuna (not tinned tuna - the canning process destroys the nutrients in tinned tuna), sardines, pilchards and mackerel are good. Omega oils are also said to be good for depression, and I take Omega 3 capsules too.
 
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Thanks for the advice, we are trying very hard to do this Hes not a big fan of pasta or couscous but loves bread and breadfast cereal. I think hed be a lot better if only he could sleep.
 
Hi thanks for this. Im really struggling to try and help him and I can certainly relate to the depression you feel. My partner has been in bed for most of today and hardly eaten anything. We are talking to the GP regularly who is trying to help him. We have someone from MacMillan coming to see us on Tuesday, hopefully he can help with some counselling. I need to talk to someone as well as my partner talking to a counsellor. Really need a self help group .
 
When did he start the citalopram? It takes about four weeks to work and can absolutely make you feel worse before you start feeling better. It is something to be patient with, but once the clouds start to lift, he may feel more motivated to do more. Maybe also one small change at a time will help. Like deciding that 'for today' he will eat brown bread not white. (I know, low carb etc but it sounds as if baby steps are what's needed here).
 

See if there are any Occupational Therapy sessions available. I got recommended to go to Robert Horwell Centre after my cancer diagnosis.
It has so helped me. I got this through my GP...

Depression is awful for both the patient and the partners, family, friends etc... But change is not natural for us humans to take easily. Whether its a job, moving or illness.... Its tough. I am sure that a concerned partner can make the difference. In fact, I know it.

Thinking of you....
 
You mention sleeping during day time.. You mention Macmillan... I have rightfully or wrongfully assumed a link somewhere to cancer.

Please ask if your hospital or CCG / Macmillan have any links or referrals to occupational therapy groups.

The best way to avoid sleep in daytime to assist night time sleeping is activity of some sort. I found just adult colouring books assisted me enormously.. Even sitting waiting for my appointments I colour.

Resting is important for recovery. However so is interest of the mind. From colouring to crosswords to a short walk is important for our minds.. To gain relaxation or stimulation...
It sounds to me as if stimulation is required (I need relaxation) but its key to getting quality of life back.
 
jrs16 said:
Thanks for the advice, we are trying very hard to do this Hes not a big fan of pasta or couscous but loves bread and breadfast cereal. I think hed be a lot better if only he could sleep.
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The tiredness from sleep difficulty makes the depression even worse. It's a vicious circle. When I'm in depression I can get to sleep, but then wake up around 2am with dark thoughts going through my mind and then can't get back to sleep. But sleep does improve once the meds start kicking in.
Well done to you for supporting your partner, that support and understanding will help him through. I know it is difficult for you too, but this will pass. He will get better.
 
 
Thank you so much, he is beginning to seem a bit better. Hes so impatient to feel better. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and help. He is seeing a counsellor as well so hopefully that will also help
 
 
He was rushed into A&E and after a long op he was in ICU and was told that he had now got a stoma. They removed a blockage, which we found out last week was a rare cancer which luckily has not spread and so he is free of that. We are seeing a counsellor from MacMillan and this has been helpful. I think hes beginning to make slow progress, things dont seem to be quite so dark now. He is trying to exercise more and is sleeping less during the day - fingers crossed I think the meds are starting to work, but it will take a while to get him strong again.
Thanks for all your advice, its much appreciated , take care
 
That's good news. What a horrible shock for you all - it's not surprising how he's reacted. But how brilliant too that he's getting counselling and is doing a little better.
 


What a journey for you both.'

Things will improve.. Believe me.

Ask the cancer nurses or your GP if there is anything like occupational therapy.. Honestly it is so good.

Our cancer occupational therapy is packed outbwith patients attending. For women today we. Had a look good feel better morning. Theres lots of arts n crafts (especially for men as well) and group and one to one therapy sessions with thrapists that specialise in cancer...so helpful as I had been to a Counsellor and she had told me that not taking anticancer tablets (couldn't tolerate them) would cause my cancer lto come back.. I was absolutely livid and launched in to her on where she had gained her opinion from... Then complained....therapists that deal with cancer patients on a daily basis is so good..

It is tough on partners when we sink into apathy. Good for you for caring so much. My hubby is brilliant with me as well..

I'm sure things will improve for you both. It is a hard, tough journey.
 
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