Diabetes can take an emotional toll on you. You may feel sad, angry, confused, overwhelmed or “sick & tired” of your diabetes. These can be normal feelings for people living with diabetes but if you find that it is significantly impacting your daily life, you may be struggling with something more serious such as depression or diabetes burnout.

If you are feeling down, hopeless, emotionally exhausted or have lost interest in activities that you once found enjoyable; consider talking to your doctor as soon as possible. Depression & anxiety is treatable whether it be with medications, talking to a therapist or engaging in healthy coping strategies.

Some healthy coping strategies include:

• Exercise (going for a walk, yoga)
• Deep breathing or meditation
• Writing in a journal
• Reading
• Drawing
• Taking a bath
• Playing with a pet
• Talking with a friend
• Cleaning the house
• Spending time outdoors

For more information on where to get help visit:

• Headspace – Get Mindfullness App Here
• Breathe – Get MyLife App Here
• Mindful Mike – Website Click Here
• Angela Rolleman – Website Click Here
• Mindful Self-Compassion – Website Click Here
• The Canadian Mental Health Association – Website Click Here
• Huron Perth Mental Health Association – Website Click Here
• The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention – Website Click Here
• I Had a Black Dog, His Name was Depression – Video Click Here
• Diabetes Canada – Website Click Here
• Behavioural Diabetes Institute – Website Click Here

Support for Caregivers:

It is normal to feel overwhelmed at times if you are caring for someone who has diabetes. Do not be embarrassed or afraid to ask for help.

Visit Connecting the Dots for Caregivers for more support.