HOW TO COPE WITH DIABETES

July 21, 2020April 5, 2017 by Maureen

Diabetes (How to Cope Sucessfully with…) (How to Cope Successfully with…)

Among chronic diseases, diabetes is unique in the amount of time and attention it requires of the person who has it to remain healthy. It is therefore no surprise that taking care of yourself may feel difficult or challenging at times.

That’s why dealing with diabetes over the long term requires developing a range of coping skills and techniques, from learning to carry out the daily tasks of diabetes control, to finding ways to deal with the emotions that having diabetes and having to care for it are bound to bring up at times.

Assertiveness training enables one to communicate in ways that are direct, honest, and appropriate.

Working in a group setting allows members to observe the behavior of others as well as practice and obtain feedback on how effectively they communicate with the other members of the group.

These models can also be used to help diabetics with eating situations, such as ordering food prepared in a healthy manner in a restaurant and assuring that one’s needs are met.

Cognitive Behavior Modification

Cognitive behavior modification is composed of three steps.

These steps are:

1) recognition of thoughts and feelings,

2) problem-solving, and

3) guided self-dialogue.

The first step is working with the person to reflect on how he or she thinks and then responds to situations. The individual’s thoughts are examined to consider if the thoughts are based on fact or assumption. Once the thoughts are examined, the next step is to problem-solve. The third step is teaching the person to use thoughts to help follow through on the decision made in the previous step.

The use of pen and paper is appropriate when teaching this skill. Group members can list their negative thoughts and then the member and the group can formulate alternate positive thoughts to counter the negative thoughts.

An example of this skill is that many diabetics are quite frightened by the possibility of severe hypoglycemia, but sometimes, this fear is out of proportion to the likelihood of its occurrence.

When diabetics exaggerate in this way, they can be taught to change their thinking about the likelihood of a severe hypoglycemic event, thereby eliminating this barrier to striving for better metabolic control.

Conflict Resolution

The basis of conflict resolution is the acquisition of skills necessary to resolve conflict in a positive manner that results in positive outcomes for all parties involved in the conflict.

The first step in this training is development of the understanding that in any conflict, both parties can win and that each and every conflict should be approached in this manner.

The diabetic is helped to focus on clear communication and problem-solving skills. Once the conflict is identified, all possible outcomes and the consequences to these outcomes are explored.

A role-play can then be set up to “try out” the communication of the decision. For example, spouses who are having difficulty negotiating various aspects of diabetes management can be taught to resolve these conflicts in this manner.

Diabetes is a long-term stressor that has the potential for patients to have difficulty in coping with the day-to-day management of diabetes.

Medical professionals can evaluate their diabetics coping abilities in both formal and informal ways, and this information can be used to assist the patients in developing better coping skills. Such improved coping skills may assist diabetics achieving better metabolic control and quality of life.

HOW PETS CAN IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

http://Elle & Coach: Diabetes, the Fight for My Daughter’s Life, and the Dog Who Changed Everything

When I am feeling down and fed-up with my diabetes , my dogs come to my rescue. They cuddle with me, then motivate me to go out the door to take them for a walk or some play time. My fur-friends get me to smile and feel happier no matter how ill or upset I feel.

I am not alone. It turns out that all pets, not just dogs, can help your mind, body, and spirit.

As you can see from other articles in this website myself and my husband Brendan have three dogs.

A Saint Weiler called Hachi who is a cross between a Rottweiler and a Saint Bernard. He is a healthy, strong, fit dog full of energy and loves to play!!!

Unfortunately Bruno our chocolate lab is a senior dog with mobility problems so is unable to play with Hachi.

So we decided we needed to get a young energetic fit dog that could play with Hachi.

We both wanted to provide a loving forever home to an abandoned dog so we visited Paws Animal Rescue and there we met our gorgeous foxhound Elvis for the first time❤️

The staff at Paws do an amazing job looking after abandoned animals and they provide shelter, food and love to a lot of retired greyhounds.

Recently I saw a very disturbing documentary on how badly greyhounds are treated by some people in Ireland.

Please view this documentary below!

What did you think of this documentary did you find it very upsetting like me and have you any suggestions on how to stop this animal cruelty if you do please leave your comments at the end of this post!!!

I fell in love with Elvis that day but we could not take him home straight away as he had serious head injuries and needed veterinary care before he could be rehomed.

The lovely team at Paws had named him Elvis and I really liked the name as Elvis Presley was my favourite singer when I was a child living in Scotland.

How about you did you name your pet after a famous person if you did please leave a comment about it at the end of this article or drop me an email as I would love to hear any stories or photos you have of your pets😊

It was two months later before a lovely, kind, caring women called Zoey brought Elvis to our home in Mooncoin as the whole of the country was in lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.

I know another amazing women Patricia Tobin who is also involved in greyhound rehoming, her daughter Mandy was flower girl at our wedding.

Please view the following video to see the incredible work Pat does for animal rescue!

It is people like Patricia and Zoey that make this world a better place!

Zoey inspected the perimeter of our garden to make sure it was safe and secure for Elvis to roam around in.

She was very happy with our garden and how well our other two dogs Hachi and Bruno got on with Elvis.

Hachi and Elvis became best buddies straight away and Hachi is over the moon to have Elvis to play with😊

You can view the video below to see how much fun they have together!!!

Elvis our rescue dog

When you come home to a purr or wagging tail at the end of a stressful day, the sudden wave of calm you feel isn’t just your imagination.

Research suggests that your fluffy friend truly is good for your physical and mental health. Pets provide unconditional acceptance and love and they’re always there for you, There is a bond and companionship that makes a big difference in mental health,not to mention the extra exercise you get from walks and playtime.

Sun and fresh air elevate your mood and the sun gives you an extra dose of vitamin D. Vitamin D exposure helps fight physical and mental conditions, including depression, cancer, obesity, and heart attacks. Also, when you go outside with your pet, you are engaging with nature.

More than any other animal, dogs have evolved to become acutely attuned to humans and our behavior and emotions. While dogs are able to understand many of the words we use, they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures.

And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you’re thinking and feeling (and to work out when the next walk or treat might be coming, of course).

While most dog owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with canine companions, many remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of playing with or snuggling up to a furry friend.

I recently read a wonderful book called Dog Crazy which is an entertaining story that captures the bonds of love and the power of our dogs to heal us, I highly recommend this book!

Research has linked the ownership of pets, especially dogs, with a reduced risk for heart disease and greater longevity.

Studies have also found that:

Dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.

Rhythmic petting or grooming can be comforting to your dog or cat, and you. Concentrate on the texture of his soft fur, the warmth he radiates, and his deep breaths.

When you connect with your pet, oxytocin, the hormone related to stress and anxiety relief, is released, helping to reduce blood pressure and lower cortisol levels.

People with dogs have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets. One study even found that when people with borderline hypertension adopted dogs from a shelter, their blood pressure declined significantly within five months.

Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.

Being present and engaged with your pet takes your thoughts off of the issues that are plaguing you. When you are fully in the moment, you are not worrying about the past or the future. It’s just you and your pet.

Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.

Seeing his enthusiasm when you walk in the door can be an instant mood-lifting boost. His tail wagging, tongue hanging out his mouth , the way his ears perk up. His grunts or barks. He doesn’t care if you just screwed something up at work, or failed a test, he loves you for being you.He is just happy to see you. He wants to be around you, to love you, and be loved by you.

Heart attack patients with dogs survive longer than those without.

Having a pet to care for can give you a feeling of purpose, which can be crucial when you are feeling really down and overwhelmed by negative thoughts.

Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.

If you don’t like to be alone, pets can be great domestic companions. Often a pet is very intuitive and will seek you out when you’re feeling down, refusing to allow you to remain alone.

One of the reasons for these effects is that dogs (and cats) fulfill the basic human need to touch.

Even hardened criminals in prison have shown long-term changes in their behavior after interacting with dogs, many of them experiencing mutual affection for the first time.

And if you don’t have a pet or can’t get one right now, you can volunteer at a shelter. There are many animals that can still benefit from your love, and you will feel the benefits, too!!!

If you have any suggestions on how to improve mental health or any information or questions you would like to make on the topics discussed in this post.

Please send an email to momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.

Diabetes and Depression

December 13, 2019April 5, 2017 by Maureen

Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions: Self-Management of Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Depression, Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema and Ot

Diabetes can be a difficult condition to accept and it is not uncommon for mental health issues such as depression to occur before or following a diabetes diagnosis.

Depression is a feeling of sadness that will not go away, and it can seriously affect quality of life. If you have been feeling hopeless for more than a week you are suffering from depression.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression – Signs, Symptoms & Treatment: You can break free from depression forever!

Ongoing sad, anxious, or empty feelings

Feeling hopeless

Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless

Feeling irritable or restless

Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyable, including sex

Feeling tired all the time

Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, a condition called insomnia, or sleeping all the time

Overeating or loss of appetite

Thoughts of death and suicide or suicide attempts

Ongoing aches and pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease with treatment.

Having diabetes can leave you feeling completely alone — and that there is no one who can help you or understand what you are going through.

“Depression is common in anyone with a chronic disease, but it is particularly common in patients with type 1 diabetes,” says Jennifer Goldman-Levine, PharmD, a diabetes educator and associate professor of pharmacy practice at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston.

Depression and Diabetes: Understanding the Link

http://The 5-point Scale and Anxiety Curve Poster

Studies have shown that if you have diabetes, you are at increased risk of becoming depressed — in fact, you might have double the risk, according to one study. The exact reasons aren’t fully understood, but the stresses associated with having diabetes are thought to play a part.

In addition to possibly increasing your risk for depression, diabetes may make symptoms of depression worse. The stress of managing diabetes every day and the effects of diabetes on the brain may contribute to depression. In the United States, people with diabetes are twice as likely as the average person to have depression.

At the same time, some symptoms of depression may reduce overall physical and mental health, not only increasing your risk for diabetes but making diabetes symptoms worse. For example, overeating may cause weight gain, a major risk factor for diabetes.

Fatigue or feelings of worthlessness may cause you to ignore a special diet or medication plan needed to control your diabetes, worsening your diabetes symptoms. Studies have shown that people with diabetes and depression have more severe diabetes symptoms than people who have diabetes alone.

Diabetes-associated stresses may include:

Feelings of isolation, since only 5 to 10 percent of the diabetes community has type 1 diabetes (the majority have type 2)

Feeling overwhelmed by the many things you have to do to manage your diabetes

Worrying about diabetes-related complications such as nerve damage

Loss of your sense of control when your blood sugar levels are out of control

Tension between you and your doctor

People with diabetes also have an elevated risk for anxiety disorders compared with the general population. It has been found that people with schizophrenia have higher rates of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes than the general population.

Causes underlying the link between mental health conditions and diabetes are complex and thought to be two-way. Evidence suggests that a combination of biological, psychosocial, environmental and behavioural factors may all be involved.

Getting a chronic illness diagnosis can be a very stressful time for a person and can trigger behavioural/mental health symptoms. Equally someone with existing behavioural health difficulties can find it more difficult to manage the physical symptoms of a co-morbid, chronic illness such as diabetes. However, depression may also develop for physiological reasons such as the metabolic effects of diabetes on the brain.

STRESS AND DIABETES

http://Managing Stress in the Workplace: How To Get Rid Of Stress At Work And Live A Longer Life: Volume 1 ((Stress Management) How to deal with office stress)

Occasional stress is normal. You’re bound to experience stress if you have a lot on your plate at work or in your personal life. There may also be a link between stress and diabetes. Managing blood glucose and other aspects of diabetes can be time-consuming and stressful. Stress can make you:

feel anxious, moody, or nervous

experience upset stomach or diarrhea

breathe faster

have an increased heart rate

Stress not only makes everyday life less enjoyable, but it can also make diabetes more difficult to manage. You may experience an increase in blood pressure, as well as high blood glucose, or sugar (hyperglycemia).

When you’re stressed, your blood sugar levels rise.

Stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol kick in since one of their major functions is to raise blood sugar to help boost energy when it’s needed most. Think of the fight-or-flight response.

You can’t fight danger when your blood sugar is low, so it rises to help meet the challenge. Both physical and emotional stress can prompt an increase in these hormones, resulting in an increase in blood sugars.

People who aren’t diabetic have compensatory mechanisms to keep blood sugar from swinging out of control.

But in people with diabetes, those mechanisms are either lacking or blunted, so they can’t keep a lid on blood sugar.

When blood sugar levels aren’t controlled well through diet and/ormedication, you’re at higher risk for many health complications, including blindness, kidney problems, and nerve damage leading to foot numbness, which can lead to serious injury and hard-to-heal infections.

Prolonged elevated blood sugar is also a predecessor to cardiovascular disease, which increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Lifestyle changes can help alleviate stress and prevent it from taking over your life. Regular deep breathing exercises can help you relax. Mastering such techniques can also make it easier to cope in stressful situations.

It’s a good idea to check blood glucose levels more frequently when you’re ill or under stress and to drink plenty of fluids as so as not to get dehydrated.

Stress may also be effectively managed by making regular time for yourself. A diabetes support group can also help decrease stress by creating an outlet for sharing your experiences with others who understand what you’re going through.

Try progressive relaxation therapy, in which you practice tensing and relaxing major muscle groups in sequence. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care showed that just five weekly sessions of a relaxation therapy can reduce blood sugar levels significantly.

Learn cognitive behavior therapy. In addition to learning to relax, this therapy helps you re-evaluate what is worthy of your aggravation in the first place by helping you change your behavior and teaching you to view life through more appropriately colored glasses.

Talk to a therapist. Talking about your problems is a reliable way to alleviate the stress that stems from them.

Step back from the situation. If you can, remove yourself from the stressor.

Keep up your healthy eating and exercise routine. Exercise can help lower blood sugar, so a stressful phase is not the time to forgo physical activity.

Eliminate caffeine. Caffeine can impair your body’s ability to handle sugar and increase the amount of stress hormones, which may increase blood sugars.

Ask your doctor about an antianxiety medication. It isn’t ideal, but it can help during a crisis.

Take up a relaxing hobby. If reading, knitting , pottery or gardening calms you down, join a class or find a workshop. But if you stress over every imperfection in your project, save the hobby for a less stressed-out time, and take a hot bath instead.

CONSEQUENCES OF DEPRESSION & STRESS FOR DIABETICS

Studies suggest that people with diabetes who have a history of depression are more likely to develop diabetic complications than those without depression. Equally the chances of becoming depressed increase as diabetes complications worsen.

Research shows that depression leads to impaired physical and cognitive functioning, therefore a person is less likely to follow a required diet or medication plan.

It is common symptom of people with depression to lose interest and motivation in looking after themselves and their health. Even at mild levels, depression can adversely affect glycemic control and a person’s ability to perform diabetes self-care.

Anxieties may be triggered by the burdens of having a chronic disease and by diabetes-specific factors such as having to inject insulin and living with the threat of acute diabetic symptoms and long-term complications. Another revealing statistic is that diabetes is a leading cause of illness and death for people affected by schizophrenia-related disorders.

Ongoing stress and anxiety can lead to severe health consequences. Unmanaged stress can cause:

insomnia and sleep deprivation

anxiety

weight gain

cardiovascular disease

depression

In the long-term, chronic depression can also lead to severe problems, including:

alcoholism

drug abuse

anxiety

suicide

For more great Health and Nutrition Tips refer to the website positivehealthwellness.com.

How is chronic depression treated in people who have diabetes?

Depression is diagnosed and treated by a health care provider. Treating depression can help you manage your diabetes and improve your overall health. Scientists report that for people who have diabetes and depression, treating depression can raise mood levels and increase blood glucose control. Recovery from depression takes time but treatments are effective.

At present, the most common treatments for depression include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, that helps people change negative thinking styles and behaviors that may contribute to their depression

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant medication that includes citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluoxetine (Prozac)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), a type of antidepressant medication similar to SSRI that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Some antidepressants may cause weight gain as a side effect and may not be the best depression treatment if you have diabetes. These include:

Tricyclics

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Paroxetine (Paxil), an SSRI6

Mirtazapine (Remeron)

While currently available depression treatments are generally well tolerated and safe, talk with your health care provider about side effects, possible drug interactions, and other treatment options.

Not everyone responds to treatment the same way. Medications can take several weeks to work, may need to be combined with ongoing talk therapy, or may need to be changed or adjusted to minimize side effects and achieve the best results.

If you have any suggestions on how to improve mental health or any information or questions or comments you would like to make on the topics discussed in this post.

Please send an email to momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.

How Diabetes Affects Mental Health

February 21, 2020November 9, 2015 by Maureen

http://Psyching Out Diabetes: A Positive Approach to Your Negative Emotions

What Exactly Is Mental Health?

All of us suffer from mental health problems at times, and such temporary problems do not necessarily lead to mental illness. However, being mentally unhealthy limits our potential as human beings and may lead to more serious problems.

Mental ill health refers to the kind of general mental health problems we can all experience in certain stressful circumstances; for example, work pressures can cause us to experience:

poor concentration

mood swings and

sleep disturbance

Such problems are usually of temporary nature, are relative to the demands a particular situation makes on us and generally respond to support and reassurance.

Mental Health Is About

How we feel about ourselves

How we feel about others

How we are able to meet the demands of life

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

In the last few years I have struggled with mental health problems myself and I think it is very important that people talk about their mental health especially to close friends and family members who they can trust!

It is only by communicating with each other that we can stop the stigma surrounding mental health illnesses and help each other on the road to recovery!

What do you think are the best solutions for improving mental health in our society today and how can we stop the stigma surrounding poor mental health?

A famous musician,rugby player and television presenter in Ireland called Niall Breslin has written an excellent book called Me and My Mate Jeffrey about his struggles with anxiety and depression.

It is people like Niall who are brave enough to admit that they have mental health problems and are willing to talk about them publicly eliminates some of the fear and shame that many people feel about their mental illness!

Early Warning Signs Of Mental Health Problems

Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning signs of a problem:

Eating or sleeping too much or too little

Pulling away from people and usual activities

Having low or no energy

Feeling numb or like nothing matters

Having unexplained aches and pains

Feeling helpless or hopeless

Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual

Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared

Yelling or fighting with family and friends

Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships

Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head

Hearing voices or believing things that are not true

Thinking of harming yourself or others

Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

What Is The Definition Of Mental Wellness?

According to the World Health Organization, mental health is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

Positive mental health allows people to:

Realize their full potential

Cope with the stresses of life

Work productively

Make meaningful contributions to their communities

Ways to maintain positive mental health include:

Getting professional help if you need it

Connecting with others

Staying positive

Getting physically active

Helping others

Getting enough sleep

Developing coping skills

Diabetes and Mental Health

Denial is another common emotion felt following diabetes diagnosis. Denial is a difficult emotion, and happens when people refuse to believe that something has happened to them.

Many people experience denial upon diagnosis.

Fear is another common response to diabetes diagnosis. Fear occurs when contemplating the present and future managing diabetes causes fright.

Diabetes is a serious condition that requires regular management, therefore fear is a natural response. However, if fear is preventing you from managing your condition it can become a serious problem.

Some people who are affected by diabetes may experience periods of embarrassment. This a common psychological effect of the disease. The reason for this may be they have to carry around insulin, blood monitoring equipment, syringes,insulin pens or wear an insulin pump. They may feel uncomfortable testing their blood sugar and doing insulin injections at a restaurant ,social gathering,at work or at school. All of these factors can lead to embarrassment and shame.

Diabetes and Depression

Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions: Self-Management of Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Depression, Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema and Ot

Diabetes can be a difficult condition to accept and it is not uncommon for mental health issues such as depression to occur before or following a diabetes diagnosis.

Depression is a feeling of sadness that will not go away, and it can seriously affect quality of life. If you have been feeling hopeless for more than a week you could be suffering from depression.

Having diabetes can leave you feeling completely alone — and that there is no one who can help you or understand what you are going through.

Click Here For More Information

For more great Health and Nutrition Tips refer to the website positivehealthwellness.com.

SOCIAL EFFECTS OF DIABETES

Diabetes is more than a health condition. For most people, it’s a new way of life, and it affects relationships in all areas as much as it affects eating and physical activity.

Click Here For More Information

POSITIVE WAYS TO DEAL WITH DIABETES

It may take as long as a year to come to terms with diabetes. If you’re feeling low, try not to let negative feelings interfere with taking care of your health. Here are some strategies to keep them in check:

Educate Yourself:

The more you learn, the more empowered you’ll feel. The diagnosis doesn’t mean life is over. You can begin an even better life that includes taking better care of yourself and understanding your body.

Open Up to Family and Friends:

Rather than shutting out people who care, invite them to support groups. Involve your family and friends in your diabetes care. Let them know how you’re feeling. Tell them that if you seem angry sometimes, it may be due to your own frustration. Give them articles to read.

Assemble a Solid Health-Care Team:

Find a doctor, dietitian, pharmacist, diabetes educator, and others who make you feel comfortable about sharing your feelings.

Set Realistic Goals:

Unattainable objectives just set you up for disappointment. In trying to live a healthier lifestyle, do the best you can and accept that you won’t hit 100 percent every time.

Focus on the Positive:

Rather than dwell on the prospect of developing complications someday, consider the healthful behaviors you’re learning and how those new habits will help you lose weight or boost your confidence and keep you from developing complications.

Get Involved:

Volunteer for a diabetes-related event. These activities are therapeutic and encourage positive thinking, instead of the ‘poor me, not me’ mantra .Being around people who have diabetes will help you share your feelings, plus you may pick up tips.

Get Help if You Need It

If strong negative emotions linger for more than a year or affect how you function overall, you may need help from a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your doctor to give you a referral.

You can overcome negative feelings by reading a positive book about diabetes. Talking about your feelings with close friends, joining a discussion website on the Internet like this site.

The more educated you become about the disease, the more you can do to improve your health, Diabetes is something you can control.

HOW TO COPE WITH DIABETES

Diabetes (How to Cope Sucessfully with…) (How to Cope Successfully with…)

Diabetes is a long-term stressor that has the potential for people to have difficulty in coping with the day-to-day management of diabetes.

Medical professionals can evaluate their diabetics coping abilities in both formal and informal ways, and this information can be used to assist the patients in developing better coping skills.

Such improved coping skills may assist diabetics in achieving better metabolic control and quality of life.

Click Here For More Information

If you have any suggestions on how to improve mental health or any comments or information you would like to make on the topics discussed in this post.

Please send an email to momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.