Type 1 diabetes affects more than just the physical. It’s emotionally taxing and tests our constitutions daily. Whether you have Type 1 or are a caregiver for someone who has it, you should know first that you are not alone. Remember, too, that a big and important part of taking care of yourself, is nurturing the mind and spirit. We are just beginning to explore what that means through our own extensive research as well as by consulting experts from a wide range of disciplines. We’re on the search to discover what contributes to a healthy mental state and how one can achieve a balanced life.
If you have Type 1 diabetes or are caring for someone who does, it is likely that you or your loved one will experience any of the following: stress, diabetes distress, burnout, diabulimia and/or depression.
Resources
Personal Stories
The first step to taking care of yourself mentally, is seeking help and resources. In addition to professional help from a mental health provider, you may find benefit in finding a community in-person or online that “gets it.” Hearing personal accounts from others who have gone through what you are experiencing can be helpful. Learn how others affected by Type 1 have learned to cope with mental stress by reading their stories here or connecting on the Beyond Type 1 App.
For Caregivers►
I Can’t Sleep
You wonder if it’s true — that this diagnosis is not your fault. You know it’s stupid, but you feel it. How can you not about the person you grew inside of you? He didn’t ask for this. You asked for him and it feels like your body failed him.
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For T1Ds►
My Balancing Act
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Dealing with any disease takes a toll on our sanity, and understandably so. I try not to judge my emotions as they arise. Breathe, acknowledge them, and then exhale.
READ MORE“Endo Anxiety” and the Visit that Changed my Mind
I mentally rehearse my Endocrinologist Visit Success Plan: The only way to avoid defeat is to beat the endocrinologist at her own game. I have to openly admit how horrible I am and then I will be immune to any criticism and insults to my ego.
READ MOREAfter They Took My Pancreas
He then took my husband aside and said he operated on the pancreas of a patient two weeks prior and the patient died; my husband should call my friends and family. It appeared I wasn’t long for life and he wanted to make sure history didn’t repeat itself on his watch.
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Burnout►
Seeing Clearly
Growing up in a small home town, I was shaped and defined by the fact that I was “the girl with diabetes.” I got my first taste of what that meant at age six, when my enrollment in public school was denied because I “required too much medical attention.”
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Eating Disorders►
I Don’t Want to Hate My Body Anymore
As a nursing student, I understand what the lack of care towards this disease can do to a human being. I also am well aware that no one is invincible and anyone can be taken at the drop of a hat by this disease.
READ MOREBody Image and the Pitfalls of Perfectionism
The delusion I carried around in my head, the idea of being perfect and having the perfect body, was shattered. How could I be perfect when I needed insulin everyday just to stay alive and I had bruises and marks from the injections covering my stomach?
READ MOREHonesty — How this Type 1 Overcame Diabulimia
In a fit of rebellion and rage, I stopped taking all of my necessary insulin and started keeping my blood sugars high on purpose. What started out as an attempt to avoid having low blood sugars became a dangerous eating disorder that nearly cost me everything.
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