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Type 1 Is it me . . .

M

Manicman68

Member
Messages
8
Type of diabetes
Type 1
I've been a type one diabetic since it was invented and I'm really beginning to wonder whether or not diabetes is affecting my mental health. When I'm doing well I am on top of the world but the slightest problem and I come crashing down into the very depths of despair.
I try to fight it off but that doesn't often work and there are days when all I want to do is program my pod to just keep pumping insulin in until it's all over.
If thbere is some way of getting help could someone point me in the right direction as this is rapidly becomming a a problem for me.
 
Hiya Manic,

Sorry you feel this way, it's so easy to get consumed with trying to achieve perfection with managing this condition that along side life's other problems, one blip can have a detrimental effect, it sounds a bit like diabetes burnout to me, where the behaviour can almost become self destructive, have a look here for more info: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/emotions/diabetes-burnout.html

What sort of problems are getting you down ?

Have you thought about other ways of managing this, perhaps try some meditation or talk to your DSN/team/GP about this, you certainly don't have to feel low or alone, many of us sympathise completely with how this can make you feel ;)
 
It doesn't seem to be any one thing that will break me.
It can be the dogs barking or forgetting to buy some cereal for my wife.
I have gone from being relatively fit to a sloth and I can't break the cycle (please excuse the musical quote I can't help it).
I am not so much becoming self destructive as I just can't be bothered to maintain me, I'll phone the quack tomorrow and see if I can get some help from them, failing that I'll try and talk to my DSN if she isn't being run off her feet.
Thanks for the advice it can only help[/QUOTE]
 
Do make that phone call @Manicman68, there's a great support network out there but you need to make people aware that a problem exists.
 
I understand exactly how you feel, I went through a time of feeling like this, silly things would get to me, things I wouldn't normally get upset about, but then everything got on top of me, at this point I leaned heavily on my DSN who was very supportive, little things still sometimes get to me until I can get my rational brain to just let them go, it's very much about taking deep breaths, and taking some time to think things through. We already have alot to deal in remembering to look after ourselves properly, I think based on what you have said that talking to your DSN would be wise. Also try some meditation, I say it all the time but it helps massively in regards to clearing the mind and living in the present, you can look up some meditations on youtube, just look for mindfulness meditations, good luck ;)
 
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Hi. Do ask the GP for a referral to an organisation such as Mind or you can refer yourself. My local Mind branch does an excellent job in providing Mental Health counselling and it provides support groups for depression, anxiety and so on.
 
Not only it is 'that time of the year'...sun light levels not quite up to raise one's moods. Others have given you good advise and I agree too that 'diabetic burn out' sounds something that would 'fit the bill'. The reason I mentioned sun light..you don't have to be suffering with SAD, but lack of sun light can have negative effect to anybody during winter months. Add those low feelings to 'burn out' and..well..let's say it doesn't help. 'Sun' lamps for SAD sufferers can have quite a big impact to anybody's low moods ..just something you may want to consider too.
 
Type1 means that you are a Manager because you have to manage your diabetes.
This is not a 9-5 job but one that has to be carried out every day of the year.
There are no perks, you don't get paid, there are no holidays, you still have to manage when you are sick and you cannot pass your workload onto a deputy.
If you slack off then there are consequences so why wouldn't people get fed up with it? You are reacting in a normal way to the pressure that you are under and there comes a time when the stress gets to you.
You are entitled to psychological help and I urge you to voice your concerns to your DSN/Consultant/GP.

As a Type2 I can take a day off and there will be minor repercussions in that my blood sugars will become raised for a day or two, I will feel lethargic and tired and may get grumpy but a day for you can result in much more.

Take care and keep us updated.
 
Thanks to all for your kind responses.
I'm going to see my GP tomorrow (Friday) and have spoken to my DSN, the star that is Juliette, a couple of times already.
Today has not been a good one.
It took me four hours to build up to leaving the house in order to visit a cash machine and book a skip. My poor dogs haven't had a walk in days but the very idea is giving me an attack of the screaming heebie-jeebies.
At some point I've also go back to working in a shop . . .
 
Good luck today, let us know how you get on ;)
 
So it seems I'm depressed. Surprise. Not.
Got a box full of Sertraline tablets and a list of phone numbers as long as my arm.
All I want to do is hide.
But the tablets may yet help and I may start to push myself hard again.
Thanks for your support all it is appreciated.
 
Manicman68 said:
So it seems I'm depressed. Surprise. Not.
Got a box full of Sertraline tablets and a list of phone numbers as long as my arm.
All I want to do is hide.
But the tablets may yet help and I may start to push myself hard again.
Thanks for your support all it is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Been there too. But better now. Good luck
 
Manicman68 said:
So it seems I'm depressed. Surprise. Not.
Got a box full of Sertraline tablets and a list of phone numbers as long as my arm.
All I want to do is hide.
But the tablets may yet help and I may start to push myself hard again.
Thanks for your support all it is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Hi Manicman, I'm not sure where in the UK you are, but I'd suggest that you are struggling with what is known as Diabetes Distress. It is now being recognised that the daily bind of constantly having to do everything has a detrimental effect on living, and that by dealing with this, progress can be made. It's certainly worth raising this with your Diabetes Consultant as they are far more likely to know much more about it than the DSN at your GP's surgery.
 
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