Your mental health is important to your overall health when you learn that you have diabetes. There is likely a feeling of shock, followed by feeling overwhelmed, perhaps even being in a state of denial. Learning how to maintain your mental health can help you understand the connection between your mental health and your physical health, and to recognize when you need help.

Diabetic distress affects many people with diabetes. The condition encompasses those feelings of being overwhelmed, such as feeling tired, frustrated with your diabetic care, worried and discouraged while dealing with diabetes. It is natural to ask, “Why me?”

Dealing with diabetes distress requires that you talk to the members of your health care team. Get a referral to a mental health counselor to help you cope with your diabetes distress.

Studies show that diabetics are twice as likely to experience depression compared to the general population. People with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience anxiety disorders or eating disorders than people without diabetes.

It is important that diabetics do not allow themselves to delve into denial. Experience denial can affect both your mental health and your physical health. Your diabetic treatment team can help identify your mental health needs and how to maintain your mental health with proper treatment.