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<blockquote data-quote="Brookers" data-source="post: 1461262" data-attributes="member: 302127"><p>Hi, Sorry, I'm not one for Facebook either (sceptical of that too!!) so hope this reaches you (others) nonetheless.</p><p></p><p>Thanks for sharing. I have had very similar difficulties - although my binging has put down to my life-long gluttony ;-) Seriously, I have experienced quite severe anxiety and depression since diagnosis over five years ago. Only recently have I attributed this to Type-1 rather than everything else which fell apart as a result.</p><p>Three things (among many) still get to me... Not knowing what physical damage is being done, knowing that it's completely unrelenting and knowing that it's all down to me! The manifestations are many - anger, frustration, clumsiness, anxiety, poor concentration, low self esteem etc etc. To counter all this all I have is an an endless stream of needles, which just feels like self-harm in itself !! It's tough and very complex to manage 'effectively' and I recon that no-one here would criticise anyone with diabetes for letting it get to them - and it does. Anyone without diabetes can't possibly understand, which has lead to some isolation for me also. </p><p>Until recently, I've had to be exceptionally hard on myself in order to change my 40-year-old eating habits. I've also had to insist that others do not do anything different when socialising. Diabetes is no longer mentioned which is better for me than feeling 'different'. Sugar is completely out and fat intake lowered (both increase my blood sugars and cannot be managed with insulin). I rely on a small portion of carbs three times a day and dose up the insulin to match the carb count (the 'Carbs and Cals' app is great for this). I do my best, but could always do better and that's just it... how hard am I prepared to be before that has a detrimental effect?! It's a constant balancing act... no easy answers. I find myself binging every couple of weeks just to bring back some joy ;-)</p><p>Anyway, two things have definitely helped me - restored some self esteem and confidence as well. I was very highly sceptical about both until I gave them a fair crack of the whip. Firstly, I took up the recommendation from a Parkinsons patient who recommended daily, 20 minute Mindfulness meditation - in the privacy on my home where I don't have to worry about being self conscious. It really helps to stop my mind churning over the negatives. I saw major improvements in my general outlook after just three weeks and I'm now far more focussed on managing my condition and confident in what I can achieve in spite of it (I've started mountain biking again and been snowboarding - I'm in my mid 40's for heavens sake!). Downloads available for audio guides and a good book is available also by Jon Kabatt-Zinn (sorry, no advert intended). Secondly, I recently read that St John's Wort (natural remedy) has been used to treat anxiety since Tudor times (must be something in it if it's lasted that long!). Tablets are available without prescription from health food shops. Very early days for me and still a bit wary of any reliances, but it seems to be working. Breathing was much easier/deeper within a couple of days and I'm sleeping so well now - first time in several years. Of course, I would recommend you seek GP advice before taking any pills though - disclaimer ;-)</p><p>I'm also considering seeking advice from MIND, the chance to talk to someone frankly about the emotional roller coaster ride would certainly help. That will probably be my next port of call.</p><p></p><p>That was a bit long-winded. Apologies. Just hope there's something there which may help in some way... </p><p></p><p>I share your sentiment, Aaron, let's get it out there and share experiences... options are more likely to be found in the multitude of personal experiences than in the limited resources and constraints of the health system. To be fair, my NHS nurse does ask if I have experienced any anxiety - credit where it's due. Good luck with the Facebook angle... </p><p></p><p>Best wishes to all ... [sincerely]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Brookers, post: 1461262, member: 302127"] Hi, Sorry, I'm not one for Facebook either (sceptical of that too!!) so hope this reaches you (others) nonetheless. Thanks for sharing. I have had very similar difficulties - although my binging has put down to my life-long gluttony ;-) Seriously, I have experienced quite severe anxiety and depression since diagnosis over five years ago. Only recently have I attributed this to Type-1 rather than everything else which fell apart as a result. Three things (among many) still get to me... Not knowing what physical damage is being done, knowing that it's completely unrelenting and knowing that it's all down to me! The manifestations are many - anger, frustration, clumsiness, anxiety, poor concentration, low self esteem etc etc. To counter all this all I have is an an endless stream of needles, which just feels like self-harm in itself !! It's tough and very complex to manage 'effectively' and I recon that no-one here would criticise anyone with diabetes for letting it get to them - and it does. Anyone without diabetes can't possibly understand, which has lead to some isolation for me also. Until recently, I've had to be exceptionally hard on myself in order to change my 40-year-old eating habits. I've also had to insist that others do not do anything different when socialising. Diabetes is no longer mentioned which is better for me than feeling 'different'. Sugar is completely out and fat intake lowered (both increase my blood sugars and cannot be managed with insulin). I rely on a small portion of carbs three times a day and dose up the insulin to match the carb count (the 'Carbs and Cals' app is great for this). I do my best, but could always do better and that's just it... how hard am I prepared to be before that has a detrimental effect?! It's a constant balancing act... no easy answers. I find myself binging every couple of weeks just to bring back some joy ;-) Anyway, two things have definitely helped me - restored some self esteem and confidence as well. I was very highly sceptical about both until I gave them a fair crack of the whip. Firstly, I took up the recommendation from a Parkinsons patient who recommended daily, 20 minute Mindfulness meditation - in the privacy on my home where I don't have to worry about being self conscious. It really helps to stop my mind churning over the negatives. I saw major improvements in my general outlook after just three weeks and I'm now far more focussed on managing my condition and confident in what I can achieve in spite of it (I've started mountain biking again and been snowboarding - I'm in my mid 40's for heavens sake!). Downloads available for audio guides and a good book is available also by Jon Kabatt-Zinn (sorry, no advert intended). Secondly, I recently read that St John's Wort (natural remedy) has been used to treat anxiety since Tudor times (must be something in it if it's lasted that long!). Tablets are available without prescription from health food shops. Very early days for me and still a bit wary of any reliances, but it seems to be working. Breathing was much easier/deeper within a couple of days and I'm sleeping so well now - first time in several years. Of course, I would recommend you seek GP advice before taking any pills though - disclaimer ;-) I'm also considering seeking advice from MIND, the chance to talk to someone frankly about the emotional roller coaster ride would certainly help. That will probably be my next port of call. That was a bit long-winded. Apologies. Just hope there's something there which may help in some way... I share your sentiment, Aaron, let's get it out there and share experiences... options are more likely to be found in the multitude of personal experiences than in the limited resources and constraints of the health system. To be fair, my NHS nurse does ask if I have experienced any anxiety - credit where it's due. Good luck with the Facebook angle... Best wishes to all ... [sincerely] [/QUOTE]
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