Newbie
Hi Everyone!
Not a question or discussion- just want to introduce myself. I was diagnosed with type 2 in early 2019. It came as a HUGE shock to me. Two years prior to that diagnosis, I was on top of the world, played soccer, was skinnier but ultimately had a knee injury which prompted me to stop exercising. I ballooned up to 237 and got an a1c of 7. I didn’t get put on any medication because the doctor wanted to see if I can lose the weight on my own. I ended up losing 60 pounds and my a1c went down to 5.3. You would think I was beyond happy but it wrecked me mentally. I still can’t wrap my head around this and feel like my life is over
I know how you feel, I was diagnosed in 2011, and was in shock to, I lost a lot of weight put my diabetes into remission, but lots of things in my life have happened since then, a lot of loss, first my mom in 2015, then my brother in-law in 2018, then my moms husband in 2021, and now my other brother in-law this April, my mom was my hardest, and still is, I miss her very much, I don’t think I’ll ever recover from her loss, she was my rock through my diabetes diagnosis, I ended up with depression but mostly anxiety, with my diagnosis. I go to counselling, didn’t have much support from other family members which is very important. My doctor was a good support but he is now just retired, so I’m losing my main supports. He supported me through my moms death the most out of anyone so I miss his support. I really don’t understand why there isn’t more support for people with diabetes out there. Especially the emotional part, the grief you go through, the fear that turns into anxiety because there’s no support groups and people without diabetes JUST DONT GET IT!!!!!! It really is a full time job that we didn’t ask for, and a lot of worry. It’s an everyday challenge. I get where your coming from, anxiety meds only work for a short time and that’s it and really hard to come off of, so your smart not to take them, I would try a really good counsellor that is familiar with challenging chronic illnesses. I’ve been taking the same dose of anti anxiety med. for nine years and has lost its effect and tried once to get off it and there is withdrawals had to go back on it, and now kind of stuck on it, because of other reasons, and antidepressants have alot of side effects, I’m on Effexor and not fun with side effects constipation, blurry vision, and insomnia. I was more anxious than depressed. So I’m going to work with the psychiatrist to get off these meds. That’s a very good A1c your on the right track, I know even though your sugars are down, doesn’t take away the pressure and stress living with diabetes, I feel the same way, try maybe a hobbie that will take your mind off things, or if you have an understanding family member or friend that you could talk to. I strongly recommend a counsellor for your anxiety. I hope this helps. I’m sorry that you got diabetes, it’s a tough disease. 🙏🙏❤️
, welcome! Thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself and share your story. The mental impact of diabetes is one that often goes unnoticed. I echo Tula's thoughts on seeing a therapist if you are able to do so. There are even some that specialize in health conditions/chronic pain. Thinking of you, Minel (Team Member)
