Diabetes, Parental Sorrow and Depression

Depression and Family:  Here’s a statistic that might motivate some parents to seek treatment.  “Depression in family members increases the risk for depression in other family members. Studies report that depression for even 1 - 2 months in a mother increases the risk for depression in her children. The more severe the maternal depression, the higher the risk for depression in the children. In a perpetuating cycle, being depressed as a child increases the risk for depression during adulthood. In such cases, genetic or environmental factors or both may be responsible. Spouses of partners with depression are themselves at higher risk for depression.” 

Medical Disorders and Depression: Also “severe or chronic medical disorders that feel out of a person’s control can lead to depression”. 

See Expert Deborah Gray's post on MyDepressionConnection.com,“Talking to Someone with Depression - What to Say and What to Offer.” Her tips might fit for some parents of children with diabetes. Finally, the ADA has some clear definitions and tips for identifying and dealing with grief and depression reactions in kids with diabetes. Many parents would be wise to ask themselves the questions related to grief and depression as well.  See http://www.diabetes.org/for-parents-and-kids/living-with-diabetes/grief.jsp and http://www.diabetes.org/for-parents-and-kids/living-with-diabetes/reactions.jsp.

I implore parents to not be afraid to seek help for YOUR emotional reactions around diabetes.  Sorrow and grief are all normal for a time. Untreated depression is not normal.  Depression it is treatable and it is essential that you seek treatment.  If you see yourself in the National Institute of Mental Health’s list of depressive symptoms, it’s time to seek help.  If the blogs on the THCN Depression page resonate with you, it may be time to talk to a professional.

Symptoms include:

• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment