FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Recovery Club

Diabetes and mental health

Diabetes and mental health

Mental illness is enough to cope with on its own,

so being told you have diabetes as well can feel overwhelming at first.

It’s important to remember, then, that there are things you can do yourself to manage the condition well, and that there are trained people who can help you do this – for example, by recommending eating and lifestyle changes.

hello everyone

I have diabetes 2 which a new doctor said out of the blue " do you know you have Diabetes "

Getting used to a diagnosis of diabetes can take a while, and just as there is stigma around mental illness, so there can be stigma around Type 2 Diabetes.
You may feel that some people think it’s your fault that you developed diabetes, that it was caused by eating too much and not exercising. However, diabetes is more common among people living with a mental illness.

Antipsychotic medications can lead to major weight gain, for example, while Depression and Anxiety can make it more difficult to exercise regularly and eat healthily because of the effects on motivation.
It is important for you, your family and friends to find out what you can about diabetes, to understand what support is available, and what you can do to help yourself.

love to hear from members who have diabetes

420 replies

51 - 60 of 420
1...567...42

In response to: Diabetes and mental health

Re: Diabetes and mental health

Just keep a eye on the sugary contents in some fruits like too many grapes are no good etc @Dimity

My diabetes was caused by my kidney disease

I have coffee but am using substitute sugar instead of real sugar

Just little changes will make a difference

In response to: Diabetes and mental health

Re: Diabetes and mental health

Hey @Dimity ,

I went through the Life! program as I mentioned the other night.

All in all, I realised it was not about diets, but rather, an entire lifestyle change.

I always thought I was a healthy eater with the occasional sweets. After going away with my sister and her family (who is VERY healthy), I realised there were many little unhealthy 'habits' that I had. For example, I don't make time to eat. Rather, I eat a huge amount when I have time.

The Life! program taught us about portioning and how to read food labels etc. They also recommended an app called FoodSwitch, where you scan the barcode of food products, and they give you healthier alternatives.

This was a start.

I also have a lot to work on in terms of this lifestyle change. It's good to know others are also in the same boat - not about just losing weight, but rather, to be healthier and prevent lifestyle diseases.

tyme

In response to: Re: Diabetes and mental health

Re: Diabetes and mental health

Thank you @tyme and very true @Dimity

In response to: Re: Diabetes and mental health

Re: Diabetes and mental health

Hi @tyme @Shaz51 thanks for your suggestions. I've signed up for the Life! program and have my first session this week. I've been pretty good at avoiding highly processed foods but look forward to learning better habits re diet, sleep and exercise. One of my medications is notorious for weight gain so it won't be easy, but hey I'll see how I go.

In response to: Re: Diabetes and mental health

Re: Diabetes and mental health

Yes @Dimity on of Mr shaz meds does the same xx

I am trying to maintain our weights for us

In response to: Re: Diabetes and mental health

Re: Diabetes and mental health

You're very good @Shaz51 I'll need to rethink mealtimes and portion control but I suspect exercise will be one of the keys for me. With any luck the changes will help my depression too. I've been a couch potato.

In response to: Re: Diabetes and mental health

Re: Diabetes and mental health

That sounds great @Dimity !

Look, I'll be honest, i wasn't the most compliant participate of the Life! program.

I've still got my workbook to refer to.

In the past, I've also attended Western Bulldog's Daughters of the West program. That was SENSATIONAL! We have a health topic each week, then a fitness session. Exclusive to women. There is also a Sons of the West program, exclusive to men. It is a 10 week program. They encourage people on the NDIS to join, or people with health concerns etc. I found it very comfortable to be part of their program. Only catch, you must reside in certain Melb municipalities. Another round begins mid-July 2022. https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation/programs/daughters-of-the-west?https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation

Great to see you so proactive @Dimity !

tyme

In response to: Re: Diabetes and mental health

Re: Diabetes and mental health

@tyme I'm on the wrong side of the city but thanks for the suggestion. I had my first session today and was very impressed. As well as getting baseline health diet and exercise they screen for anxiety and depression. The goals look achievable too.

In response to: Re: Diabetes and mental health

Re: Diabetes and mental health

Woohoo! @Dimity .

It's not magic, but it's a start.

All the best,

tyme

In response to: Re: Diabetes and mental health

Re: Diabetes and mental health

Thanks @tyme

51 - 60 of 420
1...567...42