Hello, Friend.
Welcome to The Diabetic Toolbox, where we are on a mission to end type 2 diabetes, one family at a time.
Today, we’re exploring a topic that doesn’t get discussed enough: the significant connection between diabetes and mental health. Managing a chronic illness like type 2 diabetes can impact not only your body but also your emotions, relationships, and overall well-being. If you or someone you love is navigating this journey, you are not alone.
Mental Health and Diabetes: A Common but Overlooked Combination
When I worked as the Program Director for a psychiatric adult day program, I noticed something striking—more than 75% of our participants had prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, in addition to a diagnosed mental health condition. Some were taking medication; many were not. Due to unstable housing or lack of support, many struggled to manage either condition, let alone both.
I had heard about the Diabetes Prevention Program at Emory University and knew our community needed that kind of support. Although my employer refused to fund the training, I paid for it myself. From there, I created a program that trained our therapists and case managers to build holistic care plans, supporting both psychiatric and physical health needs. We revamped our menu, provided hands-on budgeting and healthy shopping training, and saw real results.
That experience taught me this truth:
👉 Mental health and diabetes are deeply connected and must be treated together.
What Diabetes Can Do to Your Mental Health
Dealing with a chronic illness like diabetes takes a toll. You might begin to feel:
- Anxious or overwhelmed
- Depressed or unmotivated
- Frustrated by constant decisions
- Hopeless or ashamed
These emotions are normal and manageable with the proper support. But untreated mental health challenges can become barriers to managing your diabetes, including:
- Keeping regular medical appointments
- Preparing healthy meals
- Staying physically active
- Avoiding emotional or binge eating
- Taking medications consistently
And let’s be honest: the stress of it all can sometimes lead to self-medicating with food, alcohol, or other substances. If you find yourself here, please know that help is available, and shame has no place in your journey.
You Are Not Alone: Meet Jeff Jones, Family Recovery Coach
One of the resources I’d like to share with you today is my friend Jeff Jones, a Family Recovery Coach with extensive experience in helping families navigate addiction and mental health issues together.
Jeff holds multiple credentials, including LPC, CACIII, Interventionist, and Nutritional Recovery Life Coach. He helps families transition from a state of survival to intentional healing, utilizing tools that empower both the individual in recovery and the loved ones supporting them.
Two key questions guide Jeff’s work:
✅ How do families contribute to recovery?
✅ How do individuals in early recovery thrive?
One of his tools, the Family Assessment Guide, helps families understand their role in the recovery journey and identify the next best step for moving forward together.
You can learn more and connect with Jeff here:
- 🌐 The Family Recovery Solution
- 📩 Email: sjeffjones@me.com
- 🔗 Jeff on LinkedIn
- 📘 Family Assessment Guide
If you get nothing else from today’s post, remember this: Reaching out for help, whether for your diabetes, your emotions, or both, will help you heal faster and with less stress. You don’t have to do this alone.
Book Bundle: Emotional Eating & Diabetes – Taking Back Control
Download this month’s ebook bundle:
📚 “Emotional Eating & Diabetes: Taking Back Control” it’s pay-what-you-can, starting at just $4.99.
We created this guide to help you understand the emotional side of eating and equip you with real strategies for breaking free from unhealthy patterns.
📢 Share this post with someone you love. Let us know in the comments how mental health has affected your diabetes journey, or what steps you’re taking to care for your whole self.
Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.
With Peace & Love,
Renee
The Diabetic Toolbox
🧰 Resources to Support Your Journey
📌 Free Quiz: Is My Hunger Real? A quick tool to help you understand emotional vs. physical hunger so you can eat with confidence and clarity. 📘 BONUS: When You Take the Quiz, our Mini eBook, Relax and Recharge, includes our free guide to better sleep and stress relief, two often overlooked keys to healthy blood sugar management.
💎 Need a Little Inspiration You Can Hold Onto?
Explore the It’s Not Over Until I Win Collection by Renee & Rubys. Journals, mugs, and wearable affirmations are designed to breathe life into your journey because your story isn’t over yet. 🎁 Enjoy 20% off your entire purchase with code ENJOY at checkout!
🔗 Check Out the Other Blogs from Renee and AJ3M Media
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🐶 Dog Talk Radio: Heartfelt advice, training tips, and inspiration to help you build a deeper bond with your pup—one tail wag at a time.
🌿 Midlife Made Easier: Real talk and resources for women navigating the middle of life with purpose, grace, and a renewed sense of joy.
💪 Surviving & Thriving Single Parenthood: Support, strength, and strategies to help single moms raise thriving kids while prioritizing self-care and emotional wellness.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The Diabetic Toolbox content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, or fitness routine. Participation in any program, including our Yoga Audio Series, is at your own risk. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.
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