SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Dealing with the diabetes blues
It’s important to take care of the emotional side of life with diabetes.
Feeling discouraged about managing your diabetes? That’s completely normal. But taking small steps can help you turn negative feelings into positive action. If you’re having trouble coping with your feelings:
- Learn more. Learn all you can about diabetes. Find out what you can do on a daily basis to help manage it as you move forward in your diabetes care
- Develop skills. Developing good coping and self-care skills helps you put your knowledge to good use
- Look for support. Coping is often easier with the support of family, friends, and members of your diabetes care teamDiabetes care teamYour diabetes care team may include a primary care doctor, a diabetes and hormone doctor (endocrinologist), a registered nurse, a diabetes educator, a dietitian, a heart doctor (cardiologist), a foot doctor (podiatrist), an eye doctor (ophthalmologist/optometrist), a kidney doctor (nephrologist), a dentist, a pharmacist, and a mental health professional. . Don't be afraid to reach out
Handling stress
There’s no getting around it—living with diabetes can be stressful. But, thankfully, there are things you can do to take on stress and be at your best:
- Get more sleep
- Share your feelings with someone you trust
- Keep busy with sports, hobbies, or volunteering
- Take relaxation seriously, whether it’s reading, walking, or simply watching TV
- Pray or meditate
- Stay connected to friends
- Take some time off, whether it’s a weekend or a week away
Facing fear
Concern and even some fear is natural, but try to not let it get the best of you. If you’re feeling afraid, start by taking the time to care for yourself. And arm yourself with information. Knowledge is power:
- Learn the facts and risks of diabetes-related health problems
- Remind yourself of the facts whenever your fear becomes too much
- Stick to your diabetes care plan because it may help you in many ways
Guilt or depression
Depression is common in people with diabetes. Thankfully, there are things that may help, including medicine and therapy. Talk to your diabetes care team if you think you might be struggling with depression. And remember:
- Sharing what you’re going through is one way to get help with negative emotions
- Get to know the symptoms of depression and anxiety such as losing interest in activities you once enjoyed or having trouble falling asleep
- Depression is serious and needs to be treated. If you think you may be depressed, talk with your diabetes care team
