 Emotions
How am I feeling?
Scared... angry... alone... frustrated… guilty... shocked...
depressed... indifferent...
You might have a difficult time believing and accepting that you have
diabetes. Feeling sad, scared or even angry is OK. When people first learn of their
diabetes they may have one or more of these feelings. We all handle situations
differently. Sharing your feelings with family and friends may be helpful. It is normal to
have these feelings even after you have had diabetes for a period of time. Talk to your
doctor or diabetes educator about your feelings. Or contact your local Canadian Diabetes
Association Branch, and ask about a local support group.
Take action
Create a supportive network
- Talk with your family and friends about the ways they can support you;
- Find a mentor -someone with diabetes who will help you learn through sharing their
knowledge and experiences.
Continue to do important activities:
- Think about the things you enjoy doing -playing with grandchildren, visiting relatives,
golfing, gardening;
Ask your doctor what changes you need to make to
continue doing these activities. Focus on positive feelings:
- Celebrate your successes even if they seem like small steps to you;
- Do things that give you a sense of choice, freedom, and do not interfere with managing
your diabetes.
- Learn as much as you can about managing your diabetes -we often fear the unknown: l Read
up on diabetes -keep informed -join the Canadian Diabetes Association and read the
Association's magazine Diabetes Dialogue
.
This "Take Action"section is
adapted from "What works for you"by Barb Oram, Diabetes Dialogue Vol
42, No 2, 1995.
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