When we hear the term "mental health" we tend to shy away from admitting we're ready to lose it sometimes! The term has so many negative connotations that people may be reluctant to seek help in the mental health realm.
People with diabetes should not be embarrassed to want to see a professional about venting and discussing diabetes related issues. Living with diabetes is a huge pressure that only with diabetes can understand. We have good days and bad days and just want it to go away so we can have a mental break! I believe by talking with a professional (such as a social worker), you have somewhat of a mental break--suddenly you can talk freely about your feelings. It's okay to feel frustrated and angry at times and talking to someone makes you realize, those feelings are completely normal and bundling them up inside will only increase the chances of bursting at the seams one day!
Sometimes we try to take the world on by ourselves but it's okay to accept help from others and might actually help you more than you know!
This is a very timely topic
This is a very timely topic Cooper.
Diabetes is a disease which takes hold of the whole body, mind, and spirit. It never gives you a break from its grip. Talking with a professional is very good. However, for diabetes - and the many related topics, ie. just about anything - I have found that membership in a small diabetes group facilitated by a health psychologist has proven to be most beneficial. Our group ended in August, but 5 of us still meet regularly to discuss our diabetes, to exchange information, to challenge each other, to have fun. During my tine in this group, my knowledge about diabetes grew in depth and in width. Also, following the group each week, we would go to a restaurant to see if we could practise what we had learned: asking for food to be prepared according to our needs, injecting insulin in public,weight issues,family concerns, especially around diabetes. This is a process I would recommend to anyone. Even if you do not have the services of a psychologist, you could met with others who are diabetic and research topics of interest. It is way more fun doing it together than alone.
Great comment. Couldn't
Great comment.
Couldn't agree with you more. Mental health in general is definitely marginalized despite the fact that about 1 in 4 Canadians has a mental health condition. With a chronic condition having so many demands it only adds to our already complicate life.
Why is that we consider mental health a weakness and refuse to consider it in the same light as other chronic conditions?
Travel well
I know what you mean. I
I know what you mean. I told a friend that I was considering asking my GP for counselling and she assumed it would give me a mental health diagnosis and advised against it. I agree with you that mental health problems should be treated like a chronic disease.
Anet
Hopefully you didn't take
Hopefully you didn't take your friend's advice on this occasion.:-)
Travel well
deshy
Actually it did not take
Actually it did not take much discouragement to get me to change my plan. Though in fact I did talk to a professional about it. She said basically I should try to have more fun, which is a good idea, but with a chronic disease just making a living may not leave you the energy to have a lot of fun.
Anet