World Health Day was celebrated earlier this month. It’s a day that the World Health Organization (WHO) sets aside every April to take a closer look at a specific health challenge affecting people the world over. This year’s theme was Depression: Let’s Talk.
Why would podiatrists Dr. Chanda L. Day Houts and Dr. Heidi M. Christie of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists be interested in talking with out patients about depression? Well, for one thing, we care about your overall health, not just your feet. Second, you might be surprised to learn that depression is something that affects a good number of people with diabetes.
Can diabetes cause depression?
There’s no definitive correlation between the physical effects of high blood sugar and depression, but diabetics are thought to be at higher risk for depression. You can imagine why this might be true: diabetes is a disease that’s ever-present. It’s hard to put it aside when you have to monitor your blood sugar, your diet, and your level of physical activity on a daily basis – or perhaps even on an hourly basis.
Recognizing depression
All that pressure to manage your disease can become overwhelming. So it’s important to recognize the signs of depression:
- a lack of energy
- diminished desire to get out and do things that used to interest you
- changes in appetite, resulting in quick weight gain or weight loss
- a disruption of your normal sleep pattern
- feelings of anxiety or guilt
- profound sadness
- suicidal thoughts
Our expert podiatrists are here to help you with the devastating physical effects of diabetes on your feet: nerve damage, loss of circulation, infections, and ulcers that won’t heal. If you feel that you might also need emotional help managing your disease, take WHO’s advice and…let’s talk about depression. There may be a physical reason behind your depression that can be managed with a simple change in medication. We can also refer you to a specialist in psychotherapy or pain management.
Talk to us by calling (334) 396-3668 or make an appointment with us at our office in Montgomery, AL.