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Anxiety when out

Twinks

Twinks

Well-Known Member
Messages
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It seems silly when I think about it but wen i'm out with a group of people (lets say for a bbq or meal) either family or friends I become really anxious about taking my insulin and how I can discreetly get up and go to the bathroom, I never no wen the "right time" is,, I start to feel all flustered and embarrassed as i feel all eyes are on me when i finally do make the trip to take my insulin. Just wondering how others deal with this situation


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My personal feelings is that you shouldn't feel embarrassed in public. Don't feel like you have to hide away in the toilets to inject. I used to inject anywhere when I was on injections. I won't lie at first I was petrified but once I did it once or twice in public I was fine with it. My friends were really understanding and it never bothered them. I would just explain to them in the beginning that I had to inject and did they mind. You could always go in the next room to inject also.
I used to save my arms / stomach for when out and about and then when at home inject into my buttocks and thighs. I hope this helps and I hope that you can feel comfy injecting out and about some day. Don't be afraid though x
 
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Don't worry so much ,people don't care just relax and enjoy your self i will give my injection any where ,bus stop ,restaurant ,its only you that would be worried ,try and enjoy life my friend and just stay happy .Good luck
 
Twinks said:
It seems silly when I think about it but wen i'm out with a group of people (lets say for a bbq or meal) either family or friends I become really anxious about taking my insulin and how I can discreetly get up and go to the bathroom, I never no wen the "right time" is,, I start to feel all flustered and embarrassed as i feel all eyes are on me when i finally do make the trip to take my insulin. Just wondering how others deal with this situation
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It takes time and confidence to feel comfortable injecting in front of other people, just inject away and the more times you do it the easier it will get, you may get people looking but don't be deterred.
 
I was more conscious about it when all we had were syringes... felt like a junky :crazy: With a pen, I still feel a bit uncomfortable injecting when sitting next to a stranger on a plane or train, but otherwise I have no qualms.
 
I went for a meal with my boyfriend and another couple as it was all you can eat i was very careful and took enough insulin for the foods i wanted and only had one serving however i went off to the toilet to do my insulin as the restaurant was busy, wen i returned i found that my boyfriend was nearly finished with his first helping leaving me feel embarrassed and upset that he didn't even take the time to wait for me i explained how i felt but to him it was no big issue very disappointed in him and made my anxiety of eating out worse


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Hi twinks, he might of been very hungry, but I do understand your frustration. Although not a big deal to him you feel a bit let down. Now, I prefer for people I'm out with to carry on as normal and I just get on with my testing st the table and takes 1 minute at the most. Used to be very conscious about in public, more so when with friends as my wife is well used to it. Used to also get very anxious about it and took all my will power to do it in a crowded place at the same time not showing any fear on the outside. And, no one battered an eyelid. Over the years have now done it regularly, and only get the occasional stare. Not bothered now though. If anyone was to comment I would explain nicely, if anyone was to rant at me I would explain not so politely lol. The fear of doing it is much much worse than actually testing/injecting in public, honestly, before long would be second nature.

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This is another issue my boyfriend gets embarrassed about me injecting in public even at home he can cope with me testing my bgs but when it comes to insulin he really doesn't like it (scared of needles) as well when with his friends he has to explain it to them and why in going to the bathroom or (for example) why i try (very hard) to not eat chocolate like i used to this makes me feel even more self conscious, he doesn't seem to realise its something i have to do not want to do


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Twinks - are you sure that it's not just concern that makes your boyfriend uncomfortable? For a while it used to get to me when injecting in front of my family and boyfriend as they couldn't watch and often would stop conversation. The only one in my family that didn't mind was my 3 year old nephew (who just thinks it's cool!) I've since realised that it's just them worrying, injecting is just a reminder that I am ill to them.
 
seems like u and your boyfriend need to have a nice long chat. Explain to him how u feel and about how un supported you feel. It might be hes embarrassed about u injecting in public cause he knows how conscious about it u are. It is a fear u need to overcome, and maybe u should explain to your your friends about why u r injecting instead of going somewhere else to do it. Again if they know your not comfortable with it by doing things in secret it may make them feel uncomfortable about it also. Do things in the open and may lead to a discussion about things that would help u and your boyfriend also. It will be hard for u initially but will help in the long run.

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