By a Patient and Psychotherapist
November 14th marks Diabetes Awareness Day, a reminder of the significance of this condition and the impact it has not just on physical health, but also on mental and emotional well-being. As both a psychotherapist and a patient living with diabetes, I’d like to share my personal experience, as well as shed light on the psychological burden of a diabetes diagnosis and the journey that follows. My story mirrors the experiences of many people living with chronic conditions, and as a professional, I also draw on my work with clients facing similar challenges, including diabetes.
My Personal Journey: Facing the Diagnosis
When I was diagnosed with diabetes, the news hit me hard. Initially, I was overwhelmed by a mix of fear, confusion, and a sense of helplessness. While I understood the physical management of the disease — monitoring blood glucose levels, dietary changes, and medications — I was not prepared for the emotional impact. I was afraid of what the future might hold, especially the long-term complications of diabetes, such as heart disease or kidney failure.
What took me by surprise was my struggle with needles and blood glucose monitoring. Having to prick my fingers daily was more than just physically uncomfortable; it triggered anxiety and fear. The fear of hypoglycemia was another constant companion, leaving me on edge, especially in public or during social situations. Living with diabetes can feel like a daily balancing act, and at times, it feels emotionally exhausting.
The Emotional Eating Cycle
For many people, myself included, food has always been a source of comfort during stressful times. After my diagnosis, this relationship with food became even more complicated. I struggled with emotional eating—turning to food for comfort when diabetes management felt overwhelming. This pattern is common among people living with chronic conditions. Food becomes both a comfort and a source of anxiety. Balancing the emotional and physical aspects of eating is something I’ve had to confront both as a patient and in my practice as a therapist.
The Psychological Weight of Diabetes
Managing diabetes is about more than just monitoring blood sugar levels and taking medication. It’s a constant mental and emotional challenge. The daily routine of monitoring, adjusting, and worrying about what you eat, what your blood sugar levels are doing, or what complications might arise, takes a psychological toll. Dr. Jen Nash, in her book 'Diabetes and Well-being', describes the emotional strain people with diabetes often experience as diabetes distress — a specific kind of burnout related to the demands of the condition.
In my work as a psychotherapist, I’ve seen this with many clients who live with chronic illnesses, including diabetes. They talk about feeling anxious, frustrated, and at times, defeated. It’s common to feel as if your life revolves around managing the illness, which can lead to a sense of loss of control and identity. This is where therapy can make a real difference.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy is not just about offering a space to talk, but about providing practical tools to manage the psychological impact of living with diabetes. Here are a few ways therapy can support people in managing the emotional challenges of diabetes:
Addressing Fear of Needles and Blood Glucose Monitoring: Many people, like myself, have a strong fear of needles or feel anxious about monitoring their blood sugar. In therapy, we can work to gradually confront and reduce these fears using methods like exposure therapy or relaxation techniques. This can help reduce the anxiety associated with daily monitoring routines.
Managing Hypoglycemia Anxiety: Fear of hypoglycemia can be overwhelming and constant. Therapy can provide strategies to manage this anxiety, including how to recognize and respond to early warning signs of low blood sugar and build confidence in handling such situations.
Coping with Long-Term Health Fears: For many, the fear of developing long-term complications—like vision loss, heart disease, or neuropathy—can become all-consuming. Therapy helps by focusing on what you can control in the present moment and managing the uncertainty around the future.
Breaking the Emotional Eating Cycle: Therapy offers a way to understand the emotional drivers behind eating behaviors and develop healthier coping strategies. For people who use food as a way to deal with stress, anxiety, or sadness, working through these emotions in therapy can break the cycle of emotional eating and lead to a healthier relationship with food.
Fostering Self-Compassion: Living with diabetes is challenging, and it’s easy to feel like you’re failing when your blood sugar fluctuates or when you miss a routine check. Therapy can help foster self-compassion, a crucial skill for managing the emotional ups and downs that come with chronic illness.
Supporting Others: My Professional Perspective
Over the years, in addition to my own journey with diabetes, I’ve worked with many clients who live with chronic illnesses, including diabetes. The emotional toll of managing an illness that requires constant attention, paired with fears about the future, can leave many feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I have found that creating a safe, non-judgmental space where my clients can express these fears, frustrations, and hopes is essential to their emotional well-being.
Together, we explore the intersection of mental health and physical health, developing strategies to manage both. Therapy can provide an opportunity for people to learn new ways of coping, build resilience, and regain a sense of control over their lives.
Seeking Help: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
If you’re living with diabetes or another chronic illness and feeling the weight of the psychological burden, you don’t have to go through it alone. Therapy can offer support, not only in managing the day-to-day challenges but also in addressing the deeper emotional impact. Whether you’re struggling with fear, frustration, or just feeling overwhelmed, talking to someone can make a difference.
If my story resonates with you, or if you’d like to explore how therapy might help, I invite you to reach out. You can contact me, Milton Sattler, to book an appointment by calling 07936 898797 or inquiring via email at info@miltonsattlertherapy.co.uk. Together, we can work towards managing the emotional and psychological challenges of living with diabetes, helping you live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
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Reference: Nash, J. (2013). Diabetes and Well-being: Managing the Psychological and Emotional Challenges of Diabetes Types 1 and 2. Wiley.
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