Download - Depressed or stressed
Depressed Or
Stressed? Kathleen Graham RN Teacher’s College, Columbia University
DAWN Study
• Diabetes Attitudes Wishes and Needs
• The first time people who live with diabetes were asked what it is like
• An international project
• http://www.dawnstudy.com/
Depression vs. Diabetes Distress
Depression
• Appetite changes
• Sleep changes
• Irritability
• Lack of focus
• Loss of pleasure
• Feeling sad/worthless
• Thoughts of suicide
Diabetes Distress
• More difficult to measure
• No clinical depression
• Feeling down, stressed or upset about diabetes and aspects of living with diabetes
Feelings About the Disease
• I feel overwhelmed by my diabetes
• I worry about the future and possible complications
• Diabetes takes up too much of my energy every day
• I worry about low blood sugar
Feelings About Support
• I feel uncomfortable in social situations regarding my diabetes care (e.g. people telling me what to eat)
• I feel alone with my diabetes
• I feel that my family and friends are not supportive of my diabetes
Feelings About Treatment
• I don’t feel I have clear and concrete goals for my diabetes care
• I feel discouraged with my treatment plan
• I’m not satisfied with my diabetes physician
• I’m having trouble paying for my meds and supplies
What To Do?
• Realize you aren’t alone
• Enlist the support of family friend
• Seek a support group
• Talk to your doc/endo/CDE about your needs
• Learn more about the aspects of diabetes that make you feel uncertain
• Become creative in your approach to your management.