Chronic health conditions such as diabetes have become a common problem in our society. While a number of medical treatments exist to help manage these chronic conditions, one of the reasons they remain so difficult to treat is because these conditions are so strongly rooted in our daily lifestyles. What and how much we eat, how much exercise we get, how much sleep we get and how much social support we have all play a roll.

Effectively treating these conditions not only requires medications, but also requires addressing the psychological and behavioral factors that contribute to these conditions.

In other words, although these are physical health problems, the mind plays a significant role as well.

For instance, if a person is not consistently taking their medication, because of side effects, because it "isn't working," or because they don't feel they need it, then it doesn't matter how effective the medication is. Some research suggests that treatment noncompliance is one of the most important factors impacting recovery from illness.

Similarly, simply knowing that we must change our diet and exercise more to improve our health is not always sufficient to incorporate those changes into our lives.

This is where the mind comes into play. Working on motivational factors and overcoming barriers in thinking to initiate needed lifestyle changes and staying motivated when one has faltered in a new routine is one aspect of this.

Working on effective coping strategies is another. For example, a person may try to reduce their illness-related distress by avoiding thinking about it rather than proactively seeking effective solutions. Furthermore, learning assertive communication styles may help a patient communicate more effectively with their health care provider about medication concerns and their side effects.

These are everyday psychological factors that those with chronic illnesses must work through. Taking it a step further in the psychological direction, numerous studies have indicated a significant link between depression and diabetes. Managing diabetes and its effects on one's body can result in significant psychological distress.

In addition, depressed individuals are less likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise and eating appropriately. Depression has also been shown to suppress immune system functioning, which can result in susceptibility to chronic health problems. Other studies have indicated that depression affects metabolic processes, including glucose metabolization. These studies illustrate how depression can have a direct and indirect effect on the development of diabetes.

Understanding this connection is very important to effective treatment. A number of studies have indicated that diabetics who are depressed tend to have higher functional impairment, more difficulties with diabetes related self-care, poorer communication with their health care providers and lower quality of life. It is therefore important to assess and effectively treat depression in individuals with chronic illnesses, including diabetes.

Addressing depression may not only increase medication compliance and engagement in diabetic self-care, but will likely improve overall quality of life.

Fortunately, several antidepressants are available for treating depression in individuals with diabetes.

There are also several psychotherapy interventions that are as effective as medication in addressing depression. Psychotherapy not only can improve mood, but can also help individuals develop better coping strategies, reduce negative thinking patterns, work on conflictual relationship issues that may be contributing to distress and help individuals develop individualized strategies for incorporating better diet, exercise, and improved medical treatment compliance into their life - all with the added benefit of no side effects. Developing and maintaining a healthy mind truly can contribute to a healthier body!

Scott Safford, PhD, is a psychologist at Heartspring Wellness Center specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and managing psychological factors associated with chronic health conditions.