OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DEPRESSION AWARENESS MONTH

Depression is a debilitating condition for anyone who has it, and as health educators we know it can be especially debilitating for those with diabetes. Research shows that diabetes and depression are linked, and people who have diabetes are twice as likely to have depression compared to the average person.

Symptoms of depression can exacerbate diabetes by causing people to neglect diabetes self-management, such as exercise, eating healthy and following a medication regimen. Treatment of depression can help a person with diabetes manage their diabetes better, so it is important to screen for depression and make the appropriate recommendations for follow-up care.

• Visit the NMDOH Diabetes Prevention and Control Program’s website to access FREE Diabetes and Depression online course with CMEs
• Additional information and resources: National Institute of Mental Health