Depression is not only real, it has a very real impact on certain physical conditions as well.

Researchers for years have known about a link between diabetes and depression. People with diabetes seem to suffer from depression more than those without. So the usual suggestion is that for anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes, they should also be monitored for depression and referred to additional treatment for depression if it becomes an issue.

But as we reported here earlier and The New York Times notes, Depression More Deadly for Diabetics. Specifically, older diabetics.

The answer to this problem? Simple. Ensure people who have diabetes also get some type of focused depression management attention and treatment.

Doing so will cut a diabetics risk of death in half. Which is a significant gain and finding, showing once again that simple, everyday mental health treatment can have a tremendous impact on our lives and longevity.

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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  Depression More Deadly for Diabetics by diabetes.MEDtrials.info (12/6/2007)

  Workplace Depression by Health Tips (12/6/2007)

    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 6 Dec 2007
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.