Diabetes is a chronic condition that can severely impact someone’s mental health. Although diabetes is a manageable illness, it can still contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. These are why healthcare professionals include psychological therapies when a person is diagnosed with diabetes
What is the connection between diabetes and anxiety? How does having high blood sugar levels affect the status of the mind? Let us understand the link between the two.
Diabetes is an impairment of how the body uses its insulin supply, or it could also be a result of an autoimmune phenomenon. This disease has different types: type 1, type 2, gestational, and prediabetes.
Events associated with diabetes that might lead to mental health issues:
- The constant pressure of monitoring your health
- The dietary restrictions involved in diabetes management
- The social pressure and sympathy
- The expenses involved in the treatment
Anxiety is a common mental condition associated with diabetes. What does this mental condition refer to? How does it trigger after a diabetes diagnosis?
Anxiety refers to a feeling of excessive fear or despair. It is a mental condition that often results in uneasiness, panic, and stress. Its symptoms can include the following:
- A nervous feeling
- Inability to stop worrying
- Overthinking
- Difficulty relaxing
- Restless nights
- Insomnia or inability to sleep
- Agitated
- Irritated
Besides the mentioned signs, this mental condition can also impact your body functions leading to the following physical symptoms:
- Tensions of the muscles
- Irregular heartbeat
- Episodes of stomachaches
- Chest tightness
- Hyperventilation
- Shakiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Since part of diabetes management is taking prescribed
One example is regularly monitoring their blood sugar levels. The fear of getting an during this process. Additionally, the fear of what others might think about you contributes to societal stigma resulting in personal dread
The other common condition that may develop from diabetes is depression. It is a mental health condition with symptoms like disrupted sleeping patterns, lack of interest, feelings of guilt, fatigue, poor concentration, loss of appetite, psychomotor agitation, and thoughts of suicide.
Diabetes and depression can also come together because they have similar triggering factors. These factors include:
- Poor diet
- Lack of daily exercise
- Poor sleep pattern
- Psychosocial stressors.
When you receive a diagnosis of these two conditions, it is necessary to obtain treatment for both. In terms of mitigating the effects of depression, the government has support programs that you can resort to besides taking anti-depressants.
Your healthcare professional cannot help you unless you tell your mental health status. As you seek help, they may refer you to a counselor or a psychiatrist to help you navigate through mental health issues.
Depending on the intensity, you may be prescribed one or few of the following:
- Anxiety management therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Anxiety medications such as antidepressants, buspirone, and benzodiazepine
- Exercises and yoga therapy
Just note, mental health issues are normal and anyone can have it. They are as treatable as any other physical condition. It is necessary to condemn the social stigma and seek help for yourself.
