Not new but overwhelmed

[markb101]

Hello all,

I've got my type 2 diagnosis in 2017, and for the first few years managed it ok. However over time I let my control slip and it has come to a head in the last couple of month. Had my first diabetic review in over 4 years and found not just how much I'd slipped. I say slipped to be honest I'd stopped worrying about it in the misguided belief that my meds were doing their job and I didn't have any major side effects. So the wake up call I've just had is a major one.

I've been on Metformin and Sitagliptin for a number of years now had Glicazide added to the mix. I really struggle with Anxiety as well and just had those meds changed but the new tablets weren't great so just going back on sertraline.

Getting there again with changes to my diet, but wondering how other people deal with being overwhelmed?

Thanks

Mark

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @markb101

You are not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed by their diabetes, especially around diagnosis when they are processing the change, and coming to terms with it.

But emotions surrounding diabetes aren’t limited to the early years. Diabetes distress, and diabetes burnout are recognised emotional complications of living with a demanding long-term condition. And any changes in health which may result from living with diabetes long-term (or worries about things that may happen in the future) can also bring significant emotional challenges.

Be kind to yourself. It’s never ‘too late’ to make improvements. You’ve made the really important step of re-engaging with your diabetes care, and that is huge. Just keep working away at it, day by day, setting yourself achievable goals, keeping track of your results, tweaking your diet, and improving things a little at a time. Make small and sustainable changes. Allow each thing to ‘bed in’ and become your new normal. And forgive yourself when you slip - just get back on track.

Diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint.

 

[gail2]

just keep reminding yourself that you can make changes , small ones to begin with and they soon mount up, you have already startedwith meals well done on that
Sertraline worked a treat for me just give it time to kick in
i get overwhemed at times due ti combination of my mental health and diabeties but i just pick myself up and take baby steps
remember on the forum we are here to help you so post when need help
good luck
love
gail

 

[Inka]

Narrow your vision @markb101 If you look too widely, it can be overwhelming. Just choose one or two simple things to focus on doing. It’s like if you have a huge list of chores or something like a house move. You can’t focus on everything because it becomes overwhelming, stressful and almost paralysing. Home in on a much smaller focus. For a house move, it would be emptying one cupboard rather than thinking about all the things in the house you need to pack.

 

[Peely66]

Second all of the above. I regularly get overwhelmed and have found focusing on getting one part of the day right particularly with my TIR helps with that. So I think "hacks" is the buzz word isn't it. Little bits of the day, little parts of the puzzle.

 

[markb101]

Second all of the above. I regularly get overwhelmed and have found focusing on getting one part of the day right particularly with my TIR helps with that. So I think "hacks" is the buzz word isn't it. Little bits of the day, little parts of the puzzle.

Sorry not sure what TIR means?

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Sorry not sure what TIR means?

Time In Range.

 

[goodybags]

@markb101 i think it’s “normal” to be overwhelmed being diabetic
this forum can help (well it has to me)

 

[HayleyR]

Hello and welcome! 🙂 We all have times when having diabetes gets you down and is easy to get overwhelmed but as mentioned above, be kind to yourself - small improvements will help.

 

[medidia]

Hello all,

I've got my type 2 diagnosis in 2017, and for the first few years managed it ok. However over time I let my control slip and it has come to a head in the last couple of month. Had my first diabetic review in over 4 years and found not just how much I'd slipped. I say slipped to be honest I'd stopped worrying about it in the misguided belief that my meds were doing their job and I didn't have any major side effects. So the wake up call I've just had is a major one.

I've been on Metformin and Sitagliptin for a number of years now had Glicazide added to the mix. I really struggle with Anxiety as well and just had those meds changed but the new tablets weren't great so just going back on sertraline.

Getting there again with changes to my diet, but wondering how other people deal with being overwhelmed?

Thanks

Mark

To be honest, with no reviews, and assume no support, for 4 years I'm not surprised you slipped. It's disgraceful that you were not offered reviews (and I don't mean just one sms and forget about you). I know we are supposed to take responsibility for our own health, but it's understandable that you felt safe knowing you were taking medication, if you were not aware that diabetes can be progressive and you need to check your blood glucose regularly.
I'm sure it's been suggested but it may be worth getting a monitor and check your blood glucose (how regularly depends wanting to keep an eye on it, or want to check the effect of the food you eat).
I hope all goes well for you, now that you know where you at you can do something about it.