Tomorrow is a new day. We often hear this phrase, offering us hope and optimism when things are gloomy.In my case, every second of every day is a new opportunity to remind myself how short life is. I assume you are having trouble deciding whether I am depressed or optimistic. The truth is that I am incredibly grateful to not only be alive, but to be living life to the fullest and appreciating it as it comes.

Being a diabetic for 24 years has taught me a lot. I hope I can share this knowledge with my grandchildren one day. The older I grow, the more I understand this complicated health issue and all the various factors that contribute to it.

Speaking about mental health has always been taboo, in both Eastern cultures and, until recently, Western ones. Poor mental health is often associated with insanity, and is never really looked at as a normal part of life. The ups and downs we go through and the challenges we face all play a significant role in our overall wellbeing. This is simply a fact of life.

Why did I decide today to discuss the correlation between mental health and diabetes? A recent German study has shown that diabetes could lead to depression and vice versa, a fact that most people are likely unaware of. Depression takes many shapes and forms. A sleepless night that most of us may brush off as insignificant could, in reality, be one of a series of sleepless nights lasting months, if not years.

It is vital that all people with diabetes regularly monitor their mental well-being and, if necessary, pay a visit to a therapist who can help them lead a healthy lifestyle. There is no shame in seeking help.

What especially motivated me to write on this topic is the recent decision by the Saudi government to substantially invest in mental health institutions, campaign for more awareness and provide support in general for all those who need it. I think this marks a revolution in the health sector, a step toward a balanced life that takes into consideration not only physical health but mental and emotional wellbeing too.

Whether we have diabetes or not, we can all benefit from paying more attention to these contributing factors that determine the quality of our lives. We should take pride in our journeys and experiences regardless of the hardships. As the common saying goes: Diamonds are only created under pressure.

Like all other taboos, we must challenge this one. There is absolutely nothing wrong with acknowledging your symptoms as a first step and taking action as the next. The health sector in Saudi Arabia today is as advanced as anywhere in the world. In fact, people from all over the Arab world visit our top-notch doctors across the Kingdom. I believe this is something we should appreciate and take advantage of to the fullest.

I hope that by the end of this article, you are fully aware of the importance of your mental well-being. Take the steps necessary to reclaim your health and happiness today.

Nada Al-Tuwaijri is an adviser at the Saudi Media Ministry

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point-of-view

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