Anxiety

Hello and welcome. I'm type 2 but I sympathise because I was anxious about all sorts of things for 25 years and later was luckily able to retire early before I did anything violent at work. I would say in your case you will find much understanding on this forum but you might need to see your GP and get referral for counselling.
This unfortunately can take time, so tell us some more about your worries and how you manage your diabetes, which is surely made more difficult by stress.

Hi and welcome. Yes, stress can raise blood sugar. I do voluntary work for Mind the mental health charity and they can provide conselling for various conditions including anxiety. Do see your GP or self-refer to a local Mind branch or another counselling service to see if they can help.

Genewish said:

Hi I am 43 yr old female had diabetes since 18 type 1 insulin dependent. I have been off work for a week starting back 2mz and can't sleep the stress of wrk seems to be affecting my blood sugars. Not sure if I should just change my job but I'm this climate it is not easy! However while off wrk I sit and watch TV scared to go out in case I'm seen but this isn't going to help me longterm. Anxiety is high over my situation and my partner does not want me to go back to wrk. Any thoughts people? Options are to just hand my notice in maybe skint but thinking my health is suffering and is it worth it?

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Hi Genewish,

A massive welcome. I'm quite new to this forum but I'm so glad its here. It's fantastic, the support you will get here is overwhelming.

I have suffered with anxiety all my life and I suffer with GAD (generalised anxiety disorder) which basically means I am anxious all day long all the time. Anxiety that goes way beyond the normal ups and downs of everyday life and can be quite debilitating at times. I am constantly projecting, always looking on the negative and worst case scenario.

Work has always created problems for me so I can relate to you directly. I have a stressful job (senior mental health worker) but every job I've had since leaving school in 1984 I've found stressful. I have just started back today after 2 weeks leave and as soon as the first week was over I started stressing about going back (I may as well have just stayed at work and not bothered)

It is hard but I have been proactive and 3 years ago got a referral from my GP and was accepted for CBT (one hour a week for 4 months) and to my amazement it really helped. Speak to your GP. I also get support from another group as I am in recovery from chronic alcohol abuse. I have things in place that help me so much with the drink, anxiety and now this fantastic forum for the diabetes

Diabetes and stress are not the best mix but I've had diabetes for 33 years and I'm 47 years old but I have managed to keep things relatively stable.

I worked all my life and was made redundant about 2 years ago. I thought I'd just walk into another job (such was my arrogance) and it took me a year! I am fundamentally lazy and if I had enough money to give up work tomorrow (i don't know what your situation is) I can tell you I would.

Think it through carefully. If you suffer the type of anxiety I do it will never just go away but please please believe me when I say you can live an active and fulfilling life with this condition as you can with diabetes.

Get advice for your anxiety, be honest with your GP and follow his /her advice.

I do understand Genewish. Anxiety is an awful condition and you know your situation, I don't, so do what you need to do but be positive whatever you decide on the job front. Be honest with your diabetes team and all should work out.
My thoughts are with you.

KevFitz

Try this!

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/mood-self-assessment.aspx

Not sure how big the company that you work for is but does it have a welfare department which you can go and talk to? I've not used mine but the people that have have said they are glad they did.

I find it works both ways. Stress can make my BS higher, but high BS makes me feel anxious. My "sign" that I have a high BS is that I start feeling nervous, clenching my feet, jiggling my legs, etc. I find it best to treat high Bs with a bit of exercise. If you are seen outside the home, you tell them exactly that: you were treating your BS by going for a walk. Any doc will back you up. If you're off sick, you are supposed to be trying to get better. I mean if they are "watching" you, don't be seen ducking into a cafe for a big slice of pie, but a walk round the local park is definitely "medicine" for a PWD.