Really struggling - any advice?

[sean_marsh]

Hey everyone, I'm really struggling.

- low mood/depression/social anxiety (diagnosed).
- avoiding friends and social situations.
- eating a poor diet: lots of snacking, binging, take aways etc.
- no exercise really.
- T2d not really in a good place... having foot rashes and tiny mini blisters.

I am really well supported by my GP and Diabetes nurse - discussing all of the above regularly. I just feel that the support being offered has reached its limit and there is not much other support I can accept.

I know I need to eat better, exercise more and so on... (been saying this for a decade) but I'm just feeling completely stuck in a rut.

Any advice, tips, encouragement, would be so so welcome. ❤️

 

[debs248]

Hey everyone, I'm really struggling.

- low mood/depression/social anxiety (diagnosed).
- avoiding friends and social situations.
- eating a poor diet: lots of snacking, binging, take aways etc.
- no exercise really.
- T2d not really in a good place... having foot rashes and tiny mini blisters.

I am really well supported by my GP and Diabetes nurse - discussing all of the above regularly. I just feel that the support being offered has reached its limit and there is not much other support I can accept.

I know I need to eat better, exercise more and so on... (been saying this for a decade) but I'm just feeling completely stuck in a rut.

Any advice, tips, encouragement, would be so so welcome. ❤️

It's hard when you have multiple health conditions, any one of which would be difficult to manage in isolation.

I'm not really an expert, only diagnosed 2 months ago so I'll just say hang in there, and I'm sure one of the more experienced friendly people here will reply soon. There will be a way to get through this.

 

[Leadinglights]

Hey everyone, I'm really struggling.

- low mood/depression/social anxiety (diagnosed).
- avoiding friends and social situations.
- eating a poor diet: lots of snacking, binging, take aways etc.
- no exercise really.
- T2d not really in a good place... having foot rashes and tiny mini blisters.

I am really well supported by my GP and Diabetes nurse - discussing all of the above regularly. I just feel that the support being offered has reached its limit and there is not much other support I can accept.

I know I need to eat better, exercise more and so on... (been saying this for a decade) but I'm just feeling completely stuck in a rut.

Any advice, tips, encouragement, would be so so welcome. ❤️

There have been people who have come here and have found the motivation to tackle their condition by reading some success stories from people in your situation.
Type 2 is a very manageable condition but not without some effort to make some changes particularly to your diet, getting more exercise if you can will also help but making a plan to move forward taking one day at a time with some gradual changes. If you can sort out your day meal by meal for a more friendly option it will make a difference.
Starting with a healthy breakfast, many find that the easiest meal to change, full fat Greek yoghurt and berries with nuts or seeds is filling or eggs in any form but going easy on the toast.
People can make some suggestions but what will be suitable will depend on whether you are taking any medication.
High blood glucose will be affecting your whole body including the brain so can cause anxiety and depression as well as physical things things like your foot issues.
This link may give you some ideas for meals which are easy and would be a first step.https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/

 

[Ieva DUK]

Hi there, thank you so much for sharing so openly, I know that takes a lot of courage, especially when you're already feeling low and stuck. As you'll soon see - you're not alone in this, and I'm really glad you reached out.
It sounds like you're carrying a lot right now - mentally, physically, and emotionally - and it's completely understandable that everything feels heavy and overwhelming. When things stack up like that, changes can feel out of reach. But even just posting this message shows that there's a part of you that wants things to be better and that's a really important part to hold onto.
It’s great to hear that your GP and diabetes nurse are supportive, even if it feels like their toolbox is starting to run out. Sometimes what’s needed isn’t just more advice, but connection, feeling understood by people who get it because they’ve lived through something similar. And that’s something communities like this one can really offer. Alternatively, you might also want to reach out to communities that don't necessarily have things to do with your diagnosis, and are more connected to your interests, hobbies or things you're simply curious about. I know that can look like a big leap, but small changes, nudges to yourself to get out of that vicious circle even by just a little bit can have a big ripple effect on everything else.
If it helps to hear - you don’t need to change everything all at once. You’ve probably heard it before, but honestly, starting tiny can be the most powerful thing. One small win a day. Often people set these huge goals that 'from Monday onwards, I will not allow myself XYZ, I will only do this and that, and I'll never again do anything else'... and then they fail by Tuesday. Because a blip in those promises to yourself can feel like 'the end', like an excuse to go all out and binge again or completely fall off the track. Those huge 180 changes help some, but not everyone. What worked for me was starting small - one to three small goals a week, of things I wanted to do, try or change. Be that learning to cook a healthier meal, taking an extra walk, doing something out of my comfort zone or whatever else. And I've built on that, because eventually you don't need to trick your brain saying 'I have to do this', you start wanting to do it and things begin to shift. It might not sound like much at first, but it’s those tiny sparks that begin to break the cycle.
Also, about the foot issues - please do keep an eye on those and let your team know if anything worsens. Even small changes in your feet are worth attention when you're living with T2D.
Just to reiterate - you're 100% not alone in this. And I just want to say - you're not failing. You're just stuck, and that’s a very human thing. There is a way forward, even if it’s slow and wobbly. And we’re here to cheer you on with every little step. Be kind to yourself and keep us posted!

 

[Natalie123]

That sounds familiar, I've also been struggling with my mental health and a few other medical conditions in the last few years. I'm starting to feel like I'm just getting back to feeling more like myself now.

Are you taking any medication for your mental health, if not, is this something you would consider? If so, speak to your GP about it.

Get yourself on the waiting list for talking therapy if you have something in your area or think about whether you could afford to pay for a private therapist.

If I'm honest the changing point for me was realising that I wasn't very well, I needed some help. I also realised that I needed to change something myself too. For me that something was exercise. I know that exercise helps me - I do 20 minutes of bodyweight exercises and dumbbell exercises followed by 10 minutes of gentle stretches / yoga every other day - this really boosts my mood and helps reduce my anxiety too. Once I'd been exercising for about a week, I felt like my head was clearer. I also asked my GP for some medication (which I have used before), hopefully that will start helping soon too. Just starting the exercise has helped me to see things differently, I also feel naturally drawn to healthier foods and I manage my diabetes better because I need to have good control to exercise. It's all related.

If you can change one thing you might find that the rest will follow with time. I know how hard it is to make a change but I promise that it's worth the effort. If one thing doesn't work, don't give up, try changing something else. Start small - I'm an 'all or nothing' sort of person so exercising 3 or 4 times a week wasn't too difficult once I'd done it once but maybe start with something manageable like once a week, you might find you enjoy home workouts but I think I'm in the minority, you might prefer to go for a walk or go swimming, find something you enjoy.

If exercise sounds unmanageable at the moment, maybe try to make one change to your diet, try to eat a healthy breakfast everyday or swap a snack for something healthier like some nuts or strawberries (or whatever you like!)

The only other thing that helps me with my mental health is yoga. I find a gentle form of yoga very relaxing and the movement also feels good.

I try not to think about exercise and eating well as a chore but try to think of it as looking after myself, giving my body what it needs and showing myself love and kindness. If you berate yourself for what you don't do, that leads to negative thoughts patterns, if you try to be kind to yourself it makes those changes so much easier to stick to - it's still hard starting them, but it gets easier as you build new habits.

I hope you find something that works for you. And sorry for the essay! Well done if you got to this point!

 

[saffron15]

Welcome to the forum. I was diagnosed almost a year ago when i asked to be tested. I'm still finding it hard not to be angry. I was tested for type 2 ten years ago then they stopped [ not told] I was just in the obese category and had a blood test annually for high blood pressure so it is inexplicable they didn't test. When I joined the forum I was jealous of people who had the warning of prediabetic. My first reading was 69. I had failed to tackle my weight except for making an effort not to put more on. I lost a stone between first test result and being put on medication. For someone who had piled weight on after an early menopause it was a real bonus. I did not look at calories just kept an eye on carbs. The freshwell site is good but moseley and caldesi are good to. I was thrilled when my jeans fell down. I discovered I enjoyed Greek yoghurt and berries and nuts for breakfast. I still on too many occasions eat too much. Some things I don't buy as if they are in the house i won't be able to eat them sensibly. I used to buy some dark chocolate florentine biscuits from M and S. A packet had 8 biscuits. I would leave the packet in my car so I had to go down to car to get a biscuit ie not eat mindlessly.

Think through what you want to change and pick one thing to start. I've tackled my eating on my own. My sister and my best friend know i am diabetic but I haven't told others.

6 weeks ago I started going to an energetic aquafit class. I come out feeling great. I've always enjoyed swimming. Is there something you can join? A walking group an exercise class? Your GP may know of classes.

Work out when you are most vulnerable to snacking and find something else to do. At this time of year a short walk may work.
I still feel stressed and have been a bit weepy over the last few days having seen posters in the GPs to prevent diabetes and I realise I was in the bracket that should have been referred.
Use this forum. Post as often as you like. Some people post a plan of how they want to change and update each week. Others post when they need encouragement.
Good luck.

 

[Wendal]

Morning Sean and wish you well.
Can only echo others thoughts that if you are facing what feels an overwhelming challenge( some people call it “ Eating the Elephant”) then you need to do it bit at a time.
So make very small steps and you will hopefully move in the right direction particularly if you suffer from mental health issues as that can make situations seem impossible to overcome.