Last edited 27 days ago

Diabetes can be a very depressing disease. You have to remember, thou, unlike certain cancers and immune deficiency diseases, diabetes is also a treatable disease. Yes you have to make lifestyle changes, but, in truth, most of these lifestyle changes will make you a healthier person anyway. And the more active you are, the less time you have to dwell on the down side of the disease. I think everyone gets depressed at times. It's what you do when you are depressed that makes the difference. You have people that love and need you. Those people are the ones you need to concentrate on, not the disease itself. If you take your meds, exercise and watch your diet, you'll be okay. Enlist your family members in a support network. Let them know when you feel down. Or simply write down what you're feeling. It's great therapy just to get those feelings out of your system even it is only by writing them down. Keep your chin up and hang in there. You're not alone.

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Yep I think we all do from time to time
We are here for you you are not alone
Hugs
Harlen

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Sue- we all feel that way from time to time. Make a list for yourself of things that YOU enjoy and take time to do some of them even if it is a 15 minute bubble bath or listening to your favorite music while a nicely scented candle burns. There are many things we each enjoy but depression pushes them away and diabetes and all it entails on a daily basis can be a real downer. Keep your list handy and MAKE time to do the things that matter to you. Good luck and keep us posted.
Hugs, Betsie

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Thanks everyone! You are a blessing and a God send. I appreciate each and everyone of you. Love to all, Sue

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I agree with the other posters. Also, another good way to forget about your problems is to do some random acts of service to others. It doesn't have to be much, a warm smile, a kind word, a visit to a hospital and read to sick children. The list is endless.
I'm not a preacher, but it is Sunday, and the scriptures tell us..when you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are in the service to your God. Hang in there, try to keep a smile on your face, and many here are here for you.
Jim

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Ricco, I can emphathize with you. I fell a few years ago and shattered my left knee; I am in constant pain from that. I have had five surgeries,got staff infection in that knee, and it took a couple of years to get rid of the staff; had to have some plastic surgery. They split the calf muscle and did a flap to give me some support in that leg. I almost lost my leg, but I didn't. I have no knee cap and no tendons, so I have to be very careful when walking; if I get off balance a little bit, down I go. I fell not too long ago and broke my right wrist and had to have surgery on that; now I have plates and screws in my wrist, it hurts all the time. That was the third time that that has happened to me. Went through a very painful separation and divorce. I have a wonderful husband now who is always here for me. Just a few months after we were married, he got cancer, and was diagnosed as a D4, and in all reality, he should not have made it, but he did. He has the best attitude, and is always trying to encourage me. I became very depressed when that happened, and started having panic attacks, because he has a heart condition and while going through the cancer treatment, his heart would go into atrial fibrillation, scare me to death. I would rush him to the hospital not knowing if he was going to make it or not. Just after we got him through everything he was going through, I got diabetes. There are just a lot of things that I am trying to deal with right now, and sometimes these things just become overwhelming. I know that there are a lot of people who are worse off than I. I also know that the best way to deal with our problems is to get our minds off ourselves, and think and do for others. I have started contacting old friends and making plans to get together with them. We kind of lost touch when all of these things started happening. But that is starting to change. I'm just having one of those down days, but it will end, and tomorrow is another day. I am trying to take one day at a time. Thank you all for being here for me. There are so many kind and loving people in the world, and you guys are some of the best. Sue

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Guys, I just thought of something that may or may not have triggered my depressed mood today. Today would have been my parents wedding anniversary. They are both deceased, and I miss them terribly.

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Sorry you are not having a good day. Do not give up because your family loves you and need you. I know how you feel because I am suffering from depression. I found out about 4 years ago that I suffer from depression. My life has changed because some days I do not want to get out of bed. I have 4 children that need and depend on me so I struggle everyday to do what I need to do to get by from day to day. Believe me when I say I know exactly what you are going through. I met this young lady who is bipolar. She talked to me for over an hour one day and thought that by talking to someone made her feel better and got her out of her bad mood. If you need someone to talk to I am a good listner. We could help each other out.

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I am a Type 1 Diabetic, I was diagnosed ten years ago at age 13. The fact that I could not live my life like a normal teenager like the rest of my friends made me severely depressed. These last ten years, I overcame suicide attempts and numerous hospital stays for DKA. So, I can understand your feelings of depression. But you are stronger than this disease, WE ALL ARE!

I still struggle with depression today. My medical insurance was recently discontinued and because I have a pre-existing condition, finding coverage for myself is a battle. The programs that I do qualify for cost more than I can afford, and I'm already working two jobs and going to school full-time. To add to it, I broke my foot and have to use crutches and wear a fiberglass cast for the next 3 months. All of these problems are valid causes for depression, but as a human being, and as a strong woman, you and I, EVERYONE, is blessed with the strength to handle whatever comes our way.

To deal with it, I have gone to a psychiartrist and didn't like having to share my true feelings with a stranger. I am on anti-depressant medication, and I rely heavily on my faith, I pray, I meditate, I depend of the fellowship of my church. I rely on my fiance, he is the first person (who was not a doctor) to care so intensely about my Diabetes. He takes care of me like no one else. I rely on my nieces and nephews, their smiles, their laughter, and their simple existence brings joy to my world. I also rely on my music to keep me grounded and positive. I think if you surround yourself with what makes you happy, you will feel happy.

I think that this place is a wonderful way for people who need the understanding of someone who actually does know what we are going through. Its one thing to hear it from someone expressing SYMPATHY, however there is much more feeling and a deeper meaning to hear it from someone expressing EMPATHY.

I pray God blesses you in all that you do, please keep a positive attitude for tomorrow is another day.

Love and blessings,

Lii (pronounced Lee-ee)

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Hi Sue!

I think what you're going through is natural and normal. Being diabetic just intensifies it more at times it seems. I think you're doing all the right things by focusing on the positives. It's hard to be positive 100% of the time.

Just remember we are here for you when you need to be cheered up.

You have a beautiful smile btw!

*hugs*

Judi

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If you are on Facebook, there is a Group dealing with this issue:


http://www.facebook.com/home.php?filter=app_2361831622#/group.php?gid=107206563202&ref=ts

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I'm sorry you are feeling so low. Keep on going. I have Type 1 also and sometimes I feel so depressed that I can sit down in a chair at home and wonder 2 hrs later what I have been doing. But things always seem to get a little better.Hang in there and stay close to your best friends. They will help you and love you.

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I have had diabetes for about fifty years now. I try to do the right thing by what I have and can afford. The hours of work have been cut back so much now that I can not afford my medication or most of it that I need. I have a supervisor that enjoys yelling at my team or co-workers. With only a few hours of work each day and a rush to get the work done has brought me down to nothing. I did have a wonderful lady that I was taking care of and she met a lot to me. Now with the pressure from all sides I feel like calling it quits all togather. I'm tired of this, I've dealt with it my whole life from bad comments from co-workers, bosses, friends and neighbors. It's just a waste of time if I don't get a BIG relief here soon.

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Last edited 20 days ago

Next month I will "celebrate" 60 years with diabetes. I am 62 years old. No depression, but probably because I really know nothing else. I pray for the older new comers to this disease because of the life style changes required. Count you blessings, because, what we went through, you're not. Several doctores tried to use me as a guinea pig and learning tool. Mom would find another doctor; a couple times when I was on my own, I changed becauseof the untrained who wanted to learn at my expense. Count your blessings. You have much better resources and better control than was available for those of us who survived the dark ages. Take care of yourself and ENJOY life. We are blessed people. As for the "circus employees" who try to get you to eat what you shouldn't, well, just smile and go on. While living in WY, I rode to Devil's Tower by bicycle. I was 43 years old. My mother thought I was nusts. My wife just said "GO FOR IT". I had a ball riding and camping along the way. Nineteen years ago, we didn't have the designer drugs available today. I do miss the $1.89 vials we had then, but then again, we're better controlled with the "good" stuff. Have fun, hang in there.

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Hi Sue:
I too have those thoughts and feelings. On occasion in the past I had acted upon them. I still have days when I feel like that. So far, my medications are helping (to me helping or working is not attempting suicide)...but, unfortunately they are not a cure. I try all kinds of things to help: Follow medical treatment, therapy sessions, proper vitamins, enough sunlight many days (I moved from Minnesota partially because of my severe depression). I read an article about depression on the Mayo Clinic's website some time ago, but I recalled one section saying that living in the northern states can be a factor in causing depression. They listed Minnesota as one of the states. I was kind of in shock, but read more and it became much clearer to me how that could be. The lack of sunshine takes away vitamins from your body, I believe it was "D" specifically, but don't quote me on that. It has a tendency to depress oneself because of the longer winters and less chance of sunshine. I believe it with all my heart.
Come early fall, I have my medications adjusted to prepare for the winter season. Thank goodness it's not as bad here in Oklahoma.
I live with people who also suffer from depression. Each for different reasons. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is one of them (which I also have). So I see depression around me plus the severe depression I have, it makes for a big downer.
I have found though, that if we can be comical and have a good sense of humor, it helps each of us. Takes some of the pressure off and lightens the load that I try to let God help me with.
I think I have side tracked here.
This time of year is usually the worst because of holidays, winter around the corner, etc. You spend all your time trying to do for others and your last on the list if at all.
If a friend should ask you out or to visit. Force yourself to say yes. It'll help having someone around you. Don't isolate yourself (I should talk, I do it all the time, but I know it's not good for me).
I have tried sunlamps and the like, which for me are no substitute for the warm wonderful sun. If you can try just sitting in a sunny window and closing your eyes while it shines in on you. I hope you will start thinking how great it feels, and then those thoughts lead to other more soothing things. This one does help me. I thank God for every sunny day we have.
Last but not least, don't forget you have a friend in each and everyone of us right here on this website. The people here have done good things for me and I think that letting it out to others who really do care, helps a great deal.
I will be praying for you and thinking of you daily (you've also helped me in letting me know I'm not alone).
Your depressed new friend, LOL
Pam

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Last edited 19 days ago

Hi Sue,
If it is of any help to you, you are not alone with your feelings. It does require a lot of effort and positive action on our part to move past the depression that is a part of being diabetic. I was diagnosed August 28, 1995 with type II diabetes and have been insulin dependent for the past 2 years. Hang in there Sue. It will get better.
Dolly

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