By having a deep sense of purpose, which is a deeper reason for taking care of your diabetes, the daily steps of care can become easier to accept. Purpose, in the case of diabetes, is the active choice of why you do something.
Mental health
Diabetes and mental health are very closely linked.
Everyone can feel stressed from time to time. Managing your diabetes, as well as other life demands, can feel very overwhelming. Emotional swings can affect your blood sugar levels, so it's important that you know how to recognize mood changes or stressors and how to deal with them.
It is estimated that 30% of people with diabetes have symptoms of depression at one time or another. Sometimes people living with diabetes feel distressed, which can include feeling frustrated, sad, angry or worried. Diabetes distress is a very common condition, so do not feel that you are alone.
The articles in this mental health section explore these and other commonly seen emotional and psychological issues, and offer helpful tips on how to cope and develop management strategies.
Diabetes distress
Living with diabetes can be stressful. For some, the stress goes beyond everyday concern and leads to a condition known as diabetes distress.
Burnout can be defeated
Burnout is a common word, but what is burnout and what can you do about it? I think a good way to understand burnout if you live with diabetes is to reflect on 2 experiences that virtually everyone can agree on: first, life is hard; second, no one wants to be sick.
Be compassionate to yourself as you manage your diabetes
Living with diabetes can be extremely emotionally difficult. Learn how to be compassionate to yourself as you manage your diabetes by becoming aware of your feelings, thoughts and behaviours.
10 mindful and healthy ways to celebrate the holidays this year
As the holidays approach, life’s current stresses and future uncertainties may be putting a damper on any merriment. But here are 10 mindful ways to help you enjoy a healthy, happy holiday this year, which is especially important when you have diabetes.
How emotional well-being impacts diabetes management
Your state of emotional well-being can affect many aspects of your diabetes management. Fortunately, there are coping strategies you can use to deal with emotional issues.
