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Speaking out!!!

sheil19

Well-Known Member
Messages
54
Location
Ireland
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Does anyone out there go to speak to a diabetes counsellor or even just a normal counsellor about their diabetes when feeling down about it. I've been diabetic now for 2 and a half years and well controlled using a pump but as of late I just feel **** (excuse my French) and sometimes just overwhelmed by my type 1 diabetes. Thanks in advance
 
Yes, I did. When I was feeling burned out I went to see the diabetes counsellor at my hospital. I said it felt like nothing I did was working, and the stuff that did work I was losing the willpower to do day after day after day. Like it was an endless losing battle. :-(

It helped to talk, and they gave me new tools and new ideas to try. That picked me up and gave me my motivation back.
 
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Yep, a while ago.. But in my case I was referred to a "normal councellor". Personal issue affecting my diabetes control for a while.
Though diabetes didn't come into any of the discussions.. It put perspective on the D. Hence resuming control...
 
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Yes, in my case, a normal counsellor, for a number of weeks, about a personal issue, but, thing is, whatever the problem, diabetes will affect it, or diabetes will be affected by it. It's good to talk and it helps to have a sounding-board so that you can work out your own answers and get a new perspective. I've never consulted a diabetes counsellor, but I reckon that would be a good idea. To be honest, who isn't going to feel a bit overwhelmed from time to time by the added pressure of diabetes? There's often enough going on without that as well! Go for it and best wishes.
 
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I never have. I am obviously not qualified (or particularly suitable) to provide counselling for fellow diabetics. I do however feel that a great number of people on this site, given their experience, understanding and knowledge could give a lot back to the diabetic community.... There are plenty of people here that I would value seeing twice a year more than a diabetic nurse!
 

I agree with you and I think you are predicting the future.
 
Absolutely, I think patient self-help groups would be a great idea.
 
I spoke to a diabetes counsellor when I was losing my sight, I was in a bad way at that time with all aspects of diabetes and they really helped me. I was cynical about the whole thing as I thought what on earth was anyone else likely to know about helping/solving my problems. Wrong attitude completely, the person I saw helped me think of new ways to cope with the overwhelming feelings and monotony of diabetes and I'm still here chirping on quite cheerfully a few decades later.

I would give it a go if possible, even 30 minutes of getting your problems out and hearing objective advice is great. Don't dismiss it as an option if you feel well and truly worn down by it all. I find I still try to sugar coat (sorry couldn't think of a better expression!) problems when I talk to my family and friends for fear of upsetting them.

I agree that reading experiences and knowledge of others is a great resource and a good boost to know you aren't the only one out there. Good luck I hope it helps you.
 
Hi, no I never have, I tend to 'just gt on with things' and never even thought about tbh, But I'm sure it's a great help to those who feel they need it. Type 1, 25 yrs

Best wishes
 
I honestly think counselling is a great idea, the medical profession now are all too aware that there's a strong correlation between diabetes and depression/low self esteem.

Noticed now and in the last 5-10 years they do ask about depression and how people are coping in the annual review, once over this was unheard of.
 
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