El Kawkgi says that having a chronic condition can take over many aspects of your life — something that could cause you to feel isolated and overwhelmed. “Asking for help when needed is a key part of living healthy with diabetes,” he says. “Recognizing signs that it is time to ask for help is the first step towards getting help.”
If you’re feeling signs of “diabetes burnout,” such as frustration and discouragement, you may need more help. “This is a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that is caused by the continuous distress of having a chronic condition and the efforts to manage it,” El Kawkgi says.
When you’re feeling burned out, you may feel less engaged with your treatment and less motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You may miss appointments, stop taking your medications, or even develop depression. El Kawkgi recommends talking to your healthcare provider and your support network of family and friends. Or you might benefit from sharing your experience with others who have diabetes.
If you aren’t close with friends or family, there are still plenty of ways to build a support network, El Kawkgi says. “Healthcare providers can provide a listening ear and help point people with diabetes towards [other] resources.”
These include the American Diabetes Association’s nationwide Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support network and local support groups that include patients with diabetes, healthcare providers, and other members of the diabetes community.
“Additionally, there are online forums, social media network groups, and other virtual communities where people with diabetes can share their experiences, discuss coping strategies, and simply support each other,” he says.
There’s no denying that managing diabetes can be difficult, but there is hope if you are willing to seek help. “It’s best not to be discouraged by small setbacks,” El Kawkgi says. “You are not alone.”
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