People with diabetes commonly experience emotional distress and are often diagnosed with depression. To explore lay accounts of the conditions and social aspects of their co-occurrence, we draw on qualitative research conducted in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Data derive from in-depth interviews with men and women from Greek, Chinese, Indian and Pacific Island communities, all of which have a higher than average incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants generally saw stress as a precursor to diabetes, influencing their ability to control symptoms. Yet they also emphasized that life adversities, trauma, disruption, and multiple losses caused distress and depression. Participants regarded diabetes as an illness that interrupted their ability to carry out everyday living tasks. This contributed to their social isolation and unsettled self-identity, resulting in feelings of personal inadequacy, loss and further distress. These themes were common across immigrant groups. © The Author(s), 2009.

Australia immigrants Stress Identity Depression diabetes

China Australia India Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 middle aged Stress, Psychological Aged Depressive Disorder chronic disease Humans male Emigrants and Immigrants female Aged, 80 and over Socioeconomic Factors Pacific islands Risk Factors Greece adult