You may often hear that much of managing type 2 diabetes is up to you, but trying to manage everything 24 hours a day, 7 days a week can be overwhelming! Part of living with type 2 diabetes is learning how to cope with the range of emotions you and your loved ones will experience.

Living with type 2 diabetes also means learning how to adjust your self-care plan for special situations, such as traveling or even making changes based on the weather or season of the year.

Almost everyone with type 2 diabetes experiences bad feelings at some point, including depression, burnout, and/or frustration. But you can learn how to deal with these emotions and the daily challenges life throws your way.

There is such a thing as too much support

“Should you be eating that?” “Exercise now!” “I saw you smoking.” Those who love you think they are helping, but it sure sounds like criticism to you. Whether you realize it or not, the constant watching sometimes makes you do just the opposite of what is best for you.

Tell your loved ones that there’s a whole section of the Take Action Learning Center just for them. Ask them to take a moment and review this important resource for caregivers. It will help them understand how they can provide the best support possible.

Read more about providing support and encouragement to someone with diabetes.

Feeling down? You’re not alone!

Evidence shows that there is a strong link between type 2 diabetes and depression. In fact, clinical depression is about three times more common in people with type 2 diabetes than in the general population. This may be because people with type 2 diabetes are likely to have high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), and high blood sugar makes them feel unwell, which may lead to depression.

To make matters worse, depression and high blood sugar share some symptoms. So, the best thing to do when you’re feeling depressed is to see your health professional.

Depression can occur when you are first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or much later on, after you’ve been treating your diabetes for years.

A few symptoms of depression:

• You no longer enjoy doing the things that once made
  you happy.
• You have trouble sleeping or trouble waking up.
• You eat more or less than you used to.
• You have a difficult time concentrating.
• You feel tired all the time and have no energy.

Help is at hand

If your depression lasts for several weeks or more, if it’s getting worse, or if it’s interfering with your ability to get things done, you should talk to your health professional. You may also want to try taking positive steps on your own. Spend more time with friends and family, take a walk outdoors each day, or join a support group. Many people find that talking with people who are dealing with the same issues can be profoundly helpful. All support group discussions are confidential.

To locate a support group in your area, contact your local American Diabetes Association.

Whatever treatment you try, remember that help is available and depression can be overcome.