March is Mental Health Awareness Month

I did not write this piece, so this is a public service announcement. Because I belong to the Type 1 Diabetes Exchange Registry, I came across this short but informative article. I found it interesting, and you may also, even if you are not a T1D.

For people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), self-management requires an extraordinary amount of decision-making every day. In fact, research suggests this translates to about 180 more health-related decisions than someone living without diabetes.   This level of stress can affect a person’s emotional well-being, leading to feelings of frustration, burnout, and diabetes distress. And it’s why your healthcare provider may regularly use an assessment tool to monitor your mental health.   According to our Registry data, participants with T1D also self-reported the following diagnoses. While these numbers are only representative of our participants, they are telling. Anxiety (24.9%), Depression (24.2%), Eating disorders (3.2%), Diabetes distress (2.4%), PTSD (0.3%). That said, on average, research suggests people with T1D are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression than someone without T1D. However, only 25-50% of these individuals are diagnosed and treated. That’s why it’s essential to be honest about your feelings and advocate for yourself or a loved one. While caring for your physical health is vital, your mental health is equally important.   The T1D Exchange Registry is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with T1D. One way we do this is by supporting mental health research in T1D. A current study, Mental Health Support Experiences and T1D, aims to better understand participants’ experiences when talking with diabetes care providers about their mental health and well-being.
For people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), self-management requires an extraordinary amount of decision-making every day. In fact, research suggests this translates to about 180 more health-related decisions than someone living without diabetes.   This level of stress can affect a person’s emotional well-being, leading to feelings of frustration, burnout, and diabetes distress. And it’s why your healthcare provider may regularly use an assessment tool to monitor your mental health.   According to our Registry data, participants with T1D also self-reported the following diagnoses. While these numbers are only representative of our participants, they are telling. Anxiety (24.9%), Depression (24.2%), Eating disorders (3.2%), Diabetes distress (2.4%), PTSD (0.3%). That said, on average, research suggests people with T1D are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression than someone without T1D. But only 25-50% of these individuals are diagnosed and treated. That’s why it’s so important to be honest about your feelings and advocate for yourself or a loved one. While caring for your physical health is essential, your mental health is equally as important.   The T1D Exchange Registry is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with T1D. One way we do this is by supporting mental health research in T1D. A current study, Mental Health Support Experiences and T1D, aims to better understand participants’ experiences when talking with diabetes care providers about their mental health and well-being.

Adiós, mis amigos. Por favor, no yo odies!

Today (yes, I know it’s Friday the 13th, but don’t worry because those are good days for me), hubby and I will get on a Delta Airlines “red-eye” flight and get our 2nd honeymoon underway in Mexico.

This week I have battled anxiety. The level of intensity is more than the usual pre-travel jitters I always get. Way more. In fact, the last two days I spent trying to relax and meditate, but to no avail. Today I feel sick to my stomach.

I know these feelings are a combination of a decrease in medication, hormone issues and having to drive at night. If I learned anything from therapy, it was how to analyze myself. My head knows what’s going on. Why doesn’t it explain it to my stomach?

Sigh. I will need a vacation by the time we get there.

Whining But complaining about my state of mind is not why we are here – but thank you for listening 😉

Instead of a dreary week of re-reading my archives, I have a few guest posts scheduled for your reading enjoyment. Published while I lay on the pristine white sand, or float in the warm surf off the Mexican coast.

See how I take care of y’all?  Maybe I’ll even send you a postcard  🙂

BTW – Translation of Title: Farewell my Friends. Please don’t hate me.

Earworms And Earwigs

Today’s Daily Prompt: “Earworm” suggests writing about what song is stuck in your head (or on permanent rotation in your CD or MP3 player) these days.   Why does it speak to you?

It sounded like a fun assignment, once I could get past the visual that popped into my head of slimy worms crawling into my ear.  I won’t gross you out with the story my dad told me involving earwigs.  He probably made it up anyway.  But I digress…

“When I’m Back on my Feet Again”  (Michael Bolton)

I heard this song on my iPod yesterday. It surprised me – because I forgot I had it. Then, the next thing I knew I was humming the song. Not out-loud, but inside my head. With a ridiculous smile on my face.  Why?

When that song was first on the radio it made me cry. I wanted to be the one who was back on their feet again. I was fighting a losing battle with depression, anxiety, and mental stress.  That was 24 years ago.

I wish I could say I was cured now, but the truth is I will always be prone to depression and anxiety.   But guess what…?

Hearing that song made me realize something – I am back on my feet (again)   🙂

My Feet againIt’s GOOD to be back.