My Secret: Finding Virtual Peer Support During a Rough Time

We all try to be strong, even through the most challenging times. Years ago, I realized that so many of my family members had developed type 2 diabetes, and now some younger family members were experiencing complications of diabetes, such as getting body parts amputated. This has brought me damages, such as being physically, emotionally, and mentally drained. My mom died at age 37 from complications of type 2 diabetes. I was young and lost.

Type 2 diabetes taking a toll

I try to keep sane during these difficult times, which is a significant and challenging task. I used to love getting away to enjoy life a bit more, but now I felt forced to do so. Not only did many of my family have diabetes, but so did close friends. I felt confined with nowhere to go. It was actually taking a toll on me. My blood sugar was not coming down, and a constant state of fear and uncertainty was showing all its colors on me.

With all this happening around me, I felt like everyone I loved was suffering somehow. No matter how hard I tried to stay positive, it broke my will, too. I was tired of living in this constant fear of "what if?"

Shifting my previous routine

With a 180-degree shift in my routine, some good things were happening to me too. But being away from people taught me that I could do everything alone, even from home. It took some time to adjust to this. Later on, I happily accepted. I didn't need the extra stress of others in my life.

Feeling burnout and finding support

But with all this ease came mental exhaustion, emotional fatigue, and diabetes burnout were a reality too - a reality that I could not ignore. Away from all the noise of this world, my mental health was also suffering silently in my own home. Considering all of this, my doctor created an online support group. It sounds cliché, but that group included every patient with diabetes he was treating.

A physician-run diabetes support group

Using an online platform for this purpose was very unusual for all of us (this was before social media hype), but I liked the idea of being in contact with people like me. I felt heard, understood, and accepted there; a good esteem booster.

We kept our group updated about everything we felt or did to keep our life on track, then we also started sharing our routines and everything which worked out for us, and then there were success stories too. It was inspiring, motivating, and refreshing to see that all of us were trying to make it work out. I was not alone in how I was feeling.

A positive impact on my health and diabetes

It was emotionally satisfying to share a space with them all where I felt being a part of something bigger. We all supported each other unconditionally, keeping everyone posted about anything new and all the reassuring messages at times of need and hardship. I felt like I was not alone in how I was feeling.

People like us are most sensitive and vulnerable in thinking that having type 2 diabetes is a death sentence. But with so much support, my strength and motivation came back. I realized that fear is the worst kind of emotion. Having support allowed me to see life differently. I became more grateful and cherished the company of people who supported me in difficult times.

If you ever feel alone or need to connect, reach out to the T2D community in our forums!