The document discusses the differences between depression and diabetes distress. Depression involves symptoms like changes in appetite and sleep, irritability, lack of focus, loss of pleasure, and suicidal thoughts. Diabetes distress refers to feeling down, stressed, or upset specifically about aspects of living with diabetes, like feeling overwhelmed by diabetes care, worried about complications, or discouraged by treatment plans. The document recommends actions someone can take if experiencing diabetes distress, such as seeking support from others, learning more about diabetes, and being creative in diabetes management.

1. Depressed
Or
Stressed?
Kathleen Graham RN
Teacher’s College,
Columbia University

2. DAWN Study
• Diabetes Attitudes Wishes and Needs
• The first time people who live with diabetes
were asked what it is like
• An international project
• http://www.dawnstudy.com/

3. Depression vs.
Diabetes Distress
Depression Diabetes Distress
• Appetite changes • More difficult to
measure
• Sleep changes
• No clinical depression
• Irritability
• Feeling down, stressed
• Lack of focus or upset about
diabetes and aspects
• Loss of pleasure of living with diabetes
• Feeling sad/worthless
• Thoughts of suicide

4. Feelings About the Disease
• I feel overwhelmed by my diabetes
• I worry about the future and possible
complications
• Diabetes takes up too much of my energy
every day
• I worry about low blood sugar

5. Feelings About Support
• I feel uncomfortable in social situations
regarding my diabetes care (e.g. people
telling me what to eat)
• I feel alone with my diabetes
• I feel that my family and friends are not
supportive of my diabetes

6. Feelings About Treatment
• I don’t feel I have clear and concrete goals
for my diabetes care
• I feel discouraged with my treatment plan
• I’m not satisfied with my diabetes physician
• I’m having trouble paying for my meds and
supplies

7. What To Do?
• Realize you aren’t alone
• Enlist the support of family friend
• Seek a support group
• Talk to your doc/endo/CDE about your
needs
• Learn more about the aspects of diabetes
that make you feel uncertain
• Become creative in your approach to your
management.