The link between diabetes and depression is largely unrecognized and untreated. In a developing country such as the Philippines, this cycle of lack of recognition, substantial research, and treatment plans for diabetic Filipinos puts patients at a greater risk of mental distress.
Overview of Diabetes and Depression in the Philippines
In a local study by endocrinologists from St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, among 476 patients who participated, 19 percent have confirmed their experience of depression after diagnosis. This seems like a small number, but the seemingly insignificant figures do not dismiss the fact that diabetes and depression can be intertwined at times.
There’s the feeling of guilt for not managing the condition properly, the shame of having been diagnosed and having to undergo diabetes treatment, and the constant concern of having to deal with diabetes for the rest of your life.
To top all of that, there’s the growing financial burden of dealing with diabetes-related expenditure, which according to The International Diabetes Federation, has reached a mean overall of US$234 per person in 2017, a 283-percent increase since the 2010 data.
3 Ways to Cope with Diabetes and Depression
In a recent webinar hosted by Lowsutea Philippines, founder Andrew Lau sat down to address the prevalence of depression among diabetics and discussed how to identify and handle diabetic depression. Here are our top takeaways from the talk.
Identify the source of diabetic distress
Does the stress come from the shame of diagnosis? Is diabetes treatment putting your physical well-being in an unhealthy state and the physiological changes are affecting your mental health? Does the financial burden of treating diabetes negatively impact your emotional state?
Diabetic distress, in the simplest terms, is the burnout that diabetics feel from the relentlessness of their condition. To address this, nail down the medical treatment while also practicing ways to enrich your daily lifestyle and nurture positive relationships that can help you support in your journey.
Rely on a solid diabetes treatment plan
A reliable diabetes management plan directly impacts your perspective towards your condition. Maintaining lower blood sugar levels might be at the core of treating diabetics, but the treatment has to holistically go alongside other aspects of your health.
For instance, we can look back on the five simple programs anchored on the cleansing wonder Lowsutea, which are designed not only for you to find healthy alternatives but also to continue educating yourself about your condition.
Consult with a professional
Emotional and psychological support is an essential part of treating diabetes. Diagnosis, therapy, and medication should be supervised by a medical professional. Always seek the advice of your doctor if you’re experiencing the telltale signs of diabetic depression.
No Need to Navigate Diabetes and Depression Alone
Learning how to manage mental health problems starts from identifying its roots. As a diabetic, your physical, mental, and emotional well-being can drastically change upon diagnosis. So when dealing with diabetic depression, it helps to know how you can address it and claim your narrative.
Know more about how Lowsutea can aid you in your journey. Try it now!
