Diabetes Distress
CDC:Diabetes Distress
My Doctor said I was stressed.
Maybe, possibly depressed.
My complaints?
I WORRY
about possible future complications.
about current complications getting worst
about how high numbers might be affecting me.
I GET ANGRY
When I can’t eat what I want whenever I want
at the cost of medicine, sensors, test strips, and insurance that costs a
ridiculous amount and won’t pay for anything.
when I can’t spoil myself or my grandkids because above costs leave me
with zero extra cash.
I GET FRUSTRATED
when I eat healthy only to spike and not know why.
at a BBQ or party where delicious carb packed food is overflowing and I
have to pick or take 1 bite of a few items
planning my life around food, packing emergency snacks for highs, lows,
missed snacks or meals
when I eat and I’m full but I’m not satisfied
I FEEL GUILTY
when I miss a workout or don’t put much effort into it.
when I pig out or over indulge and spike.
when someone tries to alter their menu or plans to accommodate me
when above effort doesn’t work out
when I don’t put my food in my program to watch my carbs and watch how I
eat
I FEEL SHAME
since I don’t know if I caused this or might have even sped up the
process with my teenage junk food diet
I GET EMBARRASED
When I don’t eat at parties or pick very small scoops to eat,
especially when someone notices and comments on my “picky” eating
especially when someone notices and comments on my “picky” eating
When someone comments on my weight
When people notice my sensor and just look. Ask. I would rather say what it is than have
someone wonder what is wrong with me or avoid me
I AM TIRED AND OVERWHELMED AND STRESSED
He mentioned medication.
Nope, no more meds please.
Amazingly I was cleaning out old magazines and came upon an article about
DIABETIES DISTRESS!
Distress is a normal reaction to the stress and strain of managing a
progressive, chronic disease.
Distress is gaining attention but not enough in my opinion.
This was written in 2013
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/mental-health/diabetes-distress.html
2014 a summary of research was presented to the ADA
http://www.diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/2014/diabetes-distress-vs-depression.html
Hello 2019!!! Where is the new research??
ANYWAY......
This was written in 2013
Distress can rise:
when there are changes in treatment
when there is the development of a complication or complications worsen
when insulin is started
when there is poor control
when you feel your Dr.'s aren't listening
WHAT TO DO
Realize distress is normal for both the diabetic and their family
Form or join a social network for support, online or locally
Learn your distress warning signs and find management strategies
Talk about your fears and feelings so others know how to help (Then ask
for help and accept the help!)
Learn about diabetes self-management.
SO
For me, some of my distress comes from liking a routine –
Get up, work out, eat, prepare for day and have a schedule
BUT
With changes in medication and other life issues I need to be more
flexible.
Have 15 minutes? Pick up the weights
Tired of cooking? Boyfriend offered to grab salads from W** which I love,
accept offer
Number high? Go walk and find a few golf balls
Eat before BBQ’s and parties just in case
Oh and quit giving food so much power….
My distress level seems to constantly change but it really increases
when time for blood work and doctor appointments
when there is a party or eating at an unknown restaurant
when invited over for dinner
on Thursday when I grocery shop
Got some of my triggers, time to look for strategies!
DO you feel like diabetic distress is a part of your life? What are your
triggers?
Have a great numbers day!
Jay
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