Mental Health and Diabetes. There is a complex link between diabetes and mental health. People with diabetes are at increased risk for developing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. The stress of managing a chronic illness can take a toll on mental health, and diabetes can also affect the brain directly, contributing to cognitive impairment, dementia, and other mental health issues.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions associated with diabetes. Studies have shown that people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression as those without diabetes. This may be due to the stress and burden of managing diabetes, as well as the impact that diabetes can have on quality of life.
Anxiety is another common mental health condition associated with diabetes. People with diabetes may worry about managing their blood sugar levels, experiencing complications from the disease, and the impact that diabetes may have on their future health.
Diabetes can also lead to cognitive impairment and dementia, particularly in older adults with the disease. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the brain, leading to reduced cognitive function and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Managing diabetes effectively can help to reduce the risk of developing mental health conditions and cognitive impairment. This may involve working with a healthcare provider to manage blood sugar levels, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, and seeking treatment for this conditions as needed.
How to take care of your mental health?
Seek professional support.
Seeking professional support for mental health should be normalized for everyone. Fortunately, there are big support groups and government programs available to address these concerns.
Reach out to other diabetes patients.
While one’s family serves as their first line of support, talking with others on the same boat often gives an additional support. It feels different when you communicate with someone who understands your situation.
Attend yoga and meditation classes.
Studies show that yoga reduced stress hormones in our body and increases the levels of “feel-good” hormone like endorphins and dopamine.
Whether you have diabetes or not, try yoga to address depression, sadness, and agitation, or simply for some relaxation.
Identify symptoms of mental health issues.
Depression, anxiety, and stress can sneak into the life of a person diagnosed with diabetes or any other chronic ailment. While the physical ailment may be managed with the help of medications, identifying the mental health issue, and curing them in a timely manner can be a challenge.
These are some early symptoms:
- Nervousness
- Sadness
- Loss of interest
- Lack of energy
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Inability to sleep
- Concentration problems
- Suicidal thoughts
Should you experience these symptoms, consult your healthcare professional immediately. Recognizing your need for therapy and medical attention prevents serious health problems in the future.
In conclusion, the link between diabetes and mental health is complex and multifaceted. People with diabetes are at increased risk for developing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and may also experience cognitive impairment and dementia as a result of the disease. By managing diabetes effectively and seeking support, people with diabetes can reduce their risk of developing
