Comment by KimKat on July 2, 2010 at 1:38pm

hi lotsofshots,

First of I wanted to say how interesting your job sounds. This is something I am considering doing lately. I have a B.S. in Psychology and never used it in the human psychology field (I used to for Animal Behavior which was fun!). I have been considering apply for some mental health jobs and I want to eventually go work on my Masters or get some sort of Couseling certificate etc. That said, being diagnosed really helped me see that I want to possibly go in this direction. I am always one to want to be helping others and I think once you experience something life-changing that makes you different from others - you can understand what others are going through a lot better.

But on to your questions: Does diabetes cause depression? YES! I mean, gosh, I have a hard time understanding that that ANYONE who has this disease or finds out they have would never be depressed ever about it. And I think it is perfectly normal. For me, having a background in Psych, I think gives me a bit of a different perspective than others maybe. Because I understand what can cause depression and I have several theories of my own. Aside from people who depression is biological, I think depression can also be learned and it can be environmental. We live in a society that looks down on people if they are not happy all the time. If you are not happy all the time, than we want to drug you up which I think is unfortunate because to go through a bout of depression because you are going through a big life-change (like being diagnosed with D), isn't abnormal and shouldn't be looked upon as a basis for medicating someone.

That said, there is a difference between the people you work with (those that have severe mental disorders like bipolar etc) and people who do NOT have these disorders but have D. I am not surprised that the maintenance of their D comes second place to their mental disorder treatment. I think the mental disorder should be treated first because if that is not under control, I can't see a patient being "together" enough to deal with diabetes too. Gosh, having D is enough, how would I fare if I had a psychiatric disorder that was severe enough to put me in hosptial?

I do think that a persons attitude is important -but some who already has a mental disorder well, their attitude isn't in the same place as person with D who does not have a mental disorder. So, yes, I do thik a person's attitude toward how they take steps to control their diabetes has much to do with mental stress. I find if I get depressed or frustrated - I can often get the "Who gives a fun about my numbers?" attitude - but for me, this doesn't last since I am not clinically depressed.

Another yes to your question about the stigma attached to mental disorders. Because we live in a society that looks down on any negative emotion - no one wants to admit they have a psychology disorder because it is seen as NOT being in control. For some of us it is the same with D, because it makes it look like you are NOT in control of your body as well.

This said, I think that helping your patients focus on their diabetes care may also "take their minds off" of their other problems - if that is possible. Imagine not being able to control your body (D) or your mind (psych disorder) - it has got to pretty hard on your self-esteem. Whether or not this is a workable solution I have no idea - but this is just my theories and thoughts based on my own experiences and my psych background.

I wish I had links to send you. I do know there is a book called "Psyching out Diabetes" - I want to get myself a copy and read it since it was recommended here. Maybe it might be something you would find helpful too.

Comment by lotsofshots on July 2, 2010 at 3:13pm

Thanks Tom for the link, I appreciate it, and Kimberly for taking the time to respond in such detail. I have a degree in psychology too and I find working with this population very rewarding. My clients are such an inspiration to me.

Comment by nopucksnosticks on July 3, 2010 at 6:56pm

Joslin is funding several research projects to study the effects of high insulin or high glucose levels over time on brain chemistry. Depression and diabetes are not conditions one can control by will power. Both are caused by chemical abberations within the body. Dealing with a population that lacks many of the support systems necessary for positive maintenance of either disease I'd think would make it difficult to separate behavioral issues from progressive systemic disfunction.

Comment by Lena Z. (Spiritofbluesong) on August 29, 2010 at 5:56pm

Your post was really great. All my life I am experiencing feelings of tiredness and lack of interest (or meaning) that looked like depression. When I talked to one of my tutors in the University of Athens (Psy. Department) I was told not to supress my feelings, because they were perfectly normal and their presence didn't constitute real major depression, but was a response to the hard life and every day struggle us diabetics used to live. Well, I am not so sure, but I took their advice under consideration, althought I know that certain medication can cause the same effect sometimes. Thanks for the support, you are wonderful.

Comment by bikette on September 13, 2010 at 4:45pm

Sorry I didn't see this post earlier. It is common knowledge (now) that antidepressants such as Paxil and Zoloft do cause weight gain as well as the onset of diabetes. I believe it is the manufacturers of Zyprexa who are being sued for causing an extremely high percentage of diabetes among it's users. Zyprexa is commonly used as an antipsychotic. People with schizophrenia are relegated to an army of drugs to control positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, but those same meds tend to exacerbate the negative symptoms of fatigue and lethargy and the ability to think clearly. The choices available for people with acute mental illness are few and pretty pathetic after all this time.

Comment by bikette on September 13, 2010 at 4:46pm

p.s. I love Cedar Waxwings. They visit us every spring when the cherry trees sprout. Gorgeous.

Comment by lotsofshots on September 13, 2010 at 4:56pm

I love them too. Once I found one in the middle of the road with a broken wing. I had it in a cage for a little while and it was one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever had contact with. I had to have it picked up though because you can't keep them for pets. I love the markings when I see them I always think, "who is this masked man."

Comment by MissKitka on December 14, 2010 at 2:49pm

Lots,

A high percentage of childhood type 1 diabetics develop bipolar disorder. I have been told by 2 psychiatrists that the extreme stress of childhood diabetes expresses the bipolar gene if present which was my case. I was 4 years old and mom sticking needles in me was confusing and hurtful to someone who did not understand what was going on. I was bipolar by the time I was 8. All diabetics have to handle way more stress than most so it is no mystery that other illnesses would surely follow. Stress kills everyone these days, like heart disease is caused by stress, not cholesterol.

Don

Comment by taniaaust1 on January 15, 2011 at 6:54pm

Thanks for this post of yours you did mid last year as I think this is an area which needs a lot more study (how body metabolism issues affect our mental health etc).

"I would like to know if you think diabetes causes depresssion or is a complication of diabetes,or whether you think that it is a weakness of character."

I dont have depression but I do get severe mood swings when I eat carbs (I have insulin resistance). I know its not about a weakness of character but something really going wrong inside my body. I've also been highly traumatised due to all the medical conditions I have and at times have a real struggle just to survive. I think health services need to become aware of the trauma of multiple serious medical issues can cause a person. (I think Ive got close to Post trauma stress disorder due to what Ive experienced with my health).

Added stress can cause me like mental breakdowns.. Ive been put into hospital 7 times in the past two years due to my emotional meltdowns and mood swings but dont qualify for any of the local mental health services as i dont have a condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar thou Im truely not coping at all at times.

(I only was in intensive care last week for 4 days, longer in hospital..after taking a drug overdose due to things.. I almost died.. this is one of several serious uicide attempts Ive had during one of my mood swings.... are I getting any counselling for this.. nope.. cause I dont qualify, fact I have physical health conditions causing my mental stuff dont count to the medical authorities so no support there for me).

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