Therapist

Hi Goddess,

I was very upset when I was diagnosed as Diabetic.

However, I choose to look at it as A Reward for out living so many other less fortunate's.

Imagine that. A Reward for God Blessing Us. Alive enough to have diabetus. LOL.

No really. I'll be 67 in September and there are a whole lot of Folks that haven't made it to My age.

In My heart as I see my longevity as being a Blessing so being diabetic means only small adjustments.

The Day that I finish My course, complete The Task God has in store for me, He will Take Me Home and although My Children and Loved ones will Miss me, I will Be Shouting and Dancing a Jig. It will be Wonderful.

I tell them To Celebrate and When They join me, I'll show them around. LOL.

I did a Bile study about Heaven, and will share it with You, if You wish.

Good Night.

Grover

Thank you

It's been awhile since I've seen her. I think it's time for an appt.

Will be thinking of you. Glad to know that you are taking care of yourself. Be well.

Hi Everyone.

If I may, I'll jump right in with My ideas.

Therapisat's are a Great Sourse of Help, if We are open minded to ways of Improving ourselves.

As for me, I am very open, and accept Lfe as it comes.

My Diabetis doesn't burden me, and I will do the things I can to prevent trouble.

I also have a Heart Murmer, specifically, a calcified Aortic Valve.

Plus the fact of loosing my walking due to ciatiactaca damage. I learnedc of this in 1968, but with stubboness, I continued to do hard work and tolerate the pain until I became Ill with blocked arteries in 98. I had a Triple Bypass 6 years ago and have done very well.

I use a Power wheel chair a lot and still cut my own Grass, chop down bushes, and rake out a drainage ditch.

I'm not bragging, just telling it like it is. I am not a quiter now whiner. Sometimes I may have depression, but not about me, its always about the Hurt, misunderstanding, or inability of others to adapt to the life they have.

Each of us has a choice. We can choose to accept and deal with these complications, make the Best of Being ourselves and spread Smiles, or we can choose to be resigned, sad, and angry. However, if anyone can show me how those things help, Please tell me. Lolol.

Every Day I wake up, presents a challenge, Who can I give a Giggle, a Smile or Te Feeling of being special, that lasts.

Do not ever let life beat you down! There are to many around us That we can be a friend to, without mentioning our problems. The store clerk, the waitress, the cashier, the cop, or a Loved one.

Think about how You might Be an influence of Good, Love, and Friendship.

God Bless.

Ralph

I like your attitude. Thanks for sharing.

Sounds good, Ralph< BUT but does not apply to all types of depression. It is not always that you are overly concerned about yourself, or the fact that you are diabetic. But something deeper that distorts how life hits us, why we crumble and accept the painful things of life, because "that is all that we deserve!" Oh, I am a champion in SMILING and COVERING UP, am friendly to all, BUT INSIDE I want to die because of this PAIN that I, and no one else, unstood until lately!! Thanks for your words, though. Glad that they work for you! Best wishes! PR

Understanding what purpose a therapist has in our recovery program matters. In order to really benefit from mental health therapy it is important to know why you are choosing to access treatment. Talk therapy is not a cure for anything. It is a method of self-discovery. It helps one to explore cause and effect for what blocks our potential for health. Patterns and habits are sometimes things we inherit from the culture we live in. Our beliefs are sometimes given to us before we are capable of exploring our choices and learn accountability for our choices. A GOOD therapist will assist you in exploring your patterns and help you develop new skills to form a foundation for positive change. So often our expectations are flawed and we don't even know it. Language creates our realities so in exploring what we want and why we didn't get it helps us to discover new ways of meeting our needs. If we are hurting, something is wrong and deserves to be looked at with compassion. If we go to a counselor expecting that she/he is going to perform magic solutions, we will be disappointed. If we go with a view to discover WHY we choose to participate in painful realities, we have an opportunity to take on a higher level of personal accountability for our choices, and begin to make changes toward the quality of life we want to live. The interesting thing is, that a counselor gives up something that someone we are intimate with can't… Objectivity… It doesn't mean we are mentally ill, or crazy when we attend our mental health needs… Although in society, the gist is negative… and some people who judge someone's pain as a bother to deal with can project hurtful insinuations about someone's need to process real pain. Confidentially is so important and a professional counselor offers a safety zone for addressing issues that handled, can change our destiny. Going for therapy is no different than anyone going to a doctor for help with medical problems. The therapist will not solve any problems, but can assist the client to access their own capabilities in meeting their needs. j

Well put

Thank you guys for sharing.

I have taken some valuable advice from you all. My first session is this Thursday (i just hope it isnt cancelled like last time). I think the best thing for me to do is prepare the night before. I might just have a nice relaxing shower, get ready for bed and take out a note pad and pen and write down everything i want to discuss such as my fears and prioritys! It might help ease the anxioty and the nerves!

I'll let you all know how i get on !! Thanks again for sharing your advice.

How did your session go?

well to be honest a bit of a let down.

he made it clear that he i was here to be assesed and if he felt that my condition wasnt severe enough he wouldnt be seeing me again.

he said i had traits of the condition bulemia and it will take me time to ajust to my diabetes. therefore i have adjustment issues. but not severe enough to see a professional. however i still wont take my injections or eat properly so ill blind or severly crippled soon enough!! not his problem though, hes got bigger fish to fry!! i feel like im never gona adjust and when i do it will be too late

If they feel it's not important enough to see you and you are having trouble keeping up with meals and/or meds. I would try and see about going somewhere else for a second opinion.

im going to atempt to speak to a diabetic nurse. they tend to listen better and give good advice. Im tired of battling with this illness. i just want to live a fullfilled life and not have to struggle they whle way through. maybe i should try pumping. i just wont take the needles.

i have my first head doctor (thearapist) appointment next Thursday!! i have been fighting for this for such a long time i forgot what i wanted to discuss with her!! my only fear is ill be sitting in that chair and my mind will go blank and i wont know what to say. Hopefully ill vent everything in the time that i have with her! Everytime i go to the doctors or the diatitions i end up in floods of tears! I hate not being able to deal with the emotional side of diabetes! it can feel so isolating and lonely!! Im really hoping ill feel better after talking to a professional about this! im so aware of the fact that i need help and i realy want it! A thearapist i think is the next step for me!! The sooner i deal with this the better! My diabetes is for life and im all ready tired of not dealig with it properly.

I find those small index cards help me at the drs a few times. there small and easy to carry around. I write on them in an outline form on things i want to ask at drs while there on my mind. Than put them with my insurance cards so it always goes with me to the drs office. And shred it afterwards.

Let the teasr flow. It's safe, and the thearapist SHOULD be there to help you. Mine saved my life and sanity. Too bad he died of a heart attack so he couldn't see how far I came.

I used to take a list with me to all my appts. but after a while I felt like I was rushing through and not really focusing on the topic that concerned me the most. I still take along a notebook but I only pull it out when I get stuck trying to think. I have some difficulty with my words when I am nervous so this is a nice backup to have. Most of the time I don't reach into my purse because Cathy…my therapist gently leads me to what's concerning me most. Our first session was a little tough since she wanted to get to know a little bit about my history. I am awful with dates and times so I really had to think hard. Now that I have been seeing her a while she is aware of my history, or at least most of it and understands if I sometimes ramble. Thank GOD we have an hour to talk, if I tried to get out what was upsetting me in less time we wouldn't get anywhere. Best of Luck, it really is painless. lol

Amen, good idea (recipe card—notes) and does NOT mean you are overstating your problem, you are just specific in what you want to know and to save you BOTH time! The Dr should like that! PR

Good idea. Doesn't hurt to have someone to voice your anger, complaints and frustration at. Sometimes they help put things back in perspective for us.

I have see therapists off and on since the 1980s. Just last week, I started with a new one. I have found therapy to be very helpful during serious difficulties in my life. A good professional can work wonders, if you are willing to work on yourself. My mother was bi-polar and died in 1994 from a heart attack.

I have a therapist but I don't think that person cares anything about me. The last time I had a therapy appointment, my therapist hurried me out of his office to talk to other people. I am afraid that if I have to go to him again that he will do the same thing.

Sounds like you need to look around for a new therapist. Believe me when I say that it can be a rough patch to find a good one. The first one I saw was much like the one you described. I felt so stupid for even going. I had just been released from the hospital again following a suicide attempt and knew that I needed help. I stopped going to her and had a really bad time for about 6 months. Finally the Psychiatrist suggested trying another. It took a while to find one I was comfortable with but in the end he was soooo helpful. I honestly think he saved my life during a low time I had. When he had to leave the clinic(to take on a directorship) I was very bummed and again thought of just stopping. Now I have a new therapist and we are working it out. I had to explain a lot of my past and that was difficult at first but she really put a new spin on things. There ARE good therapist out there, you just have to keep trying. Best of luck on finding one that works for you. Remember that the process is a very personal thing and some people just don't click…for whatever reason. Don't give up. Having someone to talk to about your stress…and there is always stress with a chronic condition, will help you in the long run. Prying for you and wishing you the best.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience. There is a time limit of 50 minutes on my sessions. I've always felt more comfortable with a female therapist. Good luck to you.

I just started seeing a new therapist. The guy I had been seeing was promoted to director of another branch of the clinic so I had to pick a new doc. She specializes in patients with chronic illnesses and our first session went well. It's kinda rough starting out with someone new because I have to explain more. With my old doc I didn't have to explain as much about my illnesses as he had been with me during most of the diagnosis' however I am hoping this one works out. She does seem to understand how frustating dealing with several chronic illnesses is and has already offered some helpful advice.

Best of Luck!! PR

i think identifying that you need to speak to a professional about your personal feelings is the first step to recovery. a therapist is a good idea to perspective on feelings on confusion, isolation, anger and resentment. Im glad to see so many people opt for therapy, and you are right there is nothing to be ashamed in seeking professional help!!x

this has helped peolple

i am having a terrible down time right now! i try to keep my mind off of it, but it is there when i go bed. my mind races and i can't get to sleep, so there i am mind racing, body hurting, and no sleep!

I know how you feel, I have trouble sleeping too. Makes things so hard doesn't it?

Cara

you know it girl friend! my mind just keeps on playing a horrible situation and i can't get away from it! drives me bonkers!

I know what ya mean. I have the same problem. I think more when I want to sleep than when I want to think…I think.LOL

lol!!! cackle! cackle! cackle!!!!!!!!!!!!!

where can you find a good counselor that won't be so costly? i quit mine because of the expense.

In Buddism, this is referred to as the "Monkey Mind". I have found meditation helps to stop the chatter in my brain.

I have been therapthy my self. started not because of diabetis but PTSD folowing an explosion I was in with nightmare & flashback problems though. However I devloped the diabetis later which also has been hard on me as my dad gave up and died from diabetis after his first stroke by refusing his insulin.He went through a lot though, 2 heart attacks, nueropathy, total blindness, 3 strokes. he lasted 2 weeks.

What caused the explosion and was anyone hurt?

unsafe work caused it, 3 died including the plant manager whom argued it was safe. also included was a real good freind of mine and EMT partner whom I went to school with.. I got him the job there.

I have PTSD that started when I was 15. I had 3 cousins killed in a fire that their dad started.

There are some people who are ashamed to admit to seeing a psychiatrist or therapist. There is nothing to be ashamed of. You are doing what helps you. I'm seeing both and I feel good about it.

see both here too

i really appreciate the positive imput that you have given me!

I was supposed to see my therapist today but they called to reschedule. It's going to be another month before I see her.Bummer

that is a bummer! i could never tell anybody what is really bothering me! i gave up on the counseler, just couldn't say it!

Oh, so True, took me years to really start to open up——hang in there!! PR

well i realize there is a up side and a down side! the problem is the down side can take over when you least expect it to!

My therapist appt. went great. I told her about Diabetic Connect and she that it was great and that I needed it for support because I have none.

I am glad that you can find support and satisfactiuon with this web sight and the friends you have here. It's not easy out there in the big world. I was at band practice last night (I play drums) and could not play a simple rhythm necessary to the piece. It dawned on me that not only was I tired, but that I'm taking a drug for migraines that slows me down. Should I drop out of making music so as to not hold up the band, or stay in, as making music is, in itslef, a form of therapy?

you should stay in the band as long as you can and as long as it helps you! don't give up nothing until you have to.

I agree stay in the band as long as you can. I always wanted to play drums but never could.

Congrats on a good session Goddess. Remember always that we are here for you and that you do have a support system. Just because we aren't in the same room doesn't mean that we aren't in the same place and don't feel concern and love. Your postings have been a godsend to me over the last couple of weeks when I have been facing a Manic episode from my Bi-polar, you and all of the others on this site have helped me gain some perspective on myself and even if only for a few minutes at a time some peace. GOD BLESS!

I'm Bi-polar too.

i am glad that we are all here for each other!

that is the way it should be.

I know I will have agood session with my therapist today.

I have been thinking about going to see a therapist, but my biggest concern is that they aren't going to know enough about whats going on with my body and the diabetes to help me with anything. Any thoughts?

You tell them everything and they will ask you how things are going when you go back to see them.

I generally am in a good mood and when diagnosed with diabetes was not depressed at all. As a nutritionist I knew what to do, and have maintained a steady weight loss, never had a A1c over 7. (it's 5.5 right now), and select doctors that respect my idioscyncratic curiosity about holistic ways of looking at things. However, my body doesn't always obey me, even when I follow the rules. My heart flutters, and when I told my doctor it had been doing so for at least 35 years, he had me wear a Holter device for 24 hours. That test revealed that it "fluttered" far too many times during a day, so I had to have an echocardiogram. My first session with the cardiologist, whom I liked, stunned me into "never-never-land." I could not see, and could barely walk. I should add that I am 66, have been a single person for 25 years, and am used to being in charge… of me, my surroundings, whatever. All of a sudden I was not. And to make matters worse my brand new husband was at home recovering from minor surgery. No way could I drive home feeling as I did so I went to the hospital cafe and had an early dinner and relaxed a bit. The next day I had the echocardiogram which revealed all is well with my heart EXCEPT… the upper left ventricle is not relaxing, and fluid is beginning to build up. Eventually, in 20 years, or so, the fluid (blood) will spill into the lungs. The arteries are clear, and the valves are otherwise good. Nothing to do… no change in diet…just maintain to keep the A1c under control, take my meds as ordered, drop the caffeine to 1 cup a day, and exercise (which is not a problem — I take the stairs whenever I can). But the news that I am to suffer from congestive heart failure, especially after following all the rules for being "such a good diabetic" the ten years I have had THAT condition, infuriates me as well as depresses me. I've been moping around. Fortunately I have enough activities with deadlines to keep me busy that I don't dwell on it, and I know it's a fairly new phenonema — that is just now being recognized as happening more to women than men — but I wonder —— do others ponder their death, or not think about it? Though reared a Presbyterian I can't get too excited about traditional Christian churches because they seem more concerned about appearances, and I am too much a scientist to believe something that can't be proven or at least have a theory or 2 behind the thought.

I'm not afraid of death or dying. What terrifies me is someone not finding me for days.

i know that HE loves me! that is about all i know. unlike people HE accepts me. i am overweight,tired, depressed,and sometimes lonely. all those things the church people say i shouldn't be, if i believe in the ONE who bought me. they can sometimes be hard to be around ,but HE isn't! i have HIS assurance that HE is able. the faith i have is in HIM. i can't make you believe,it is something you must come to yourself. i pray you will hear HIS VOICE. i can't hardly wait to go home. love you

I could not get by if I did not have my faith in God. No, all of those in church and/or professing to be Christians are not always what they profess to be, but they are only human, just like the rest of us. Becoming a Christian means you try harder to live your life as Christ would have you live it - that you place your faith in Him. It does not mean you that you suddenly become perfect. We all know there's only one who has been perfect. All people in church are not like that, however, and I find great comfort and encouragement from my church, my pastor and my Christian friends. God knows we're not perfect, yet He gave His life on the cross for each one of us - because He loves us. May God bless each of you and give you comfort and strength.

I have been pondering your collective replies this past week or so, especially as I watched my grandchildren play, and while I worked my tail off helping my 89 year-old aunt move. Thanks for your kind words and loving thoughts. In the meantime my sister, who is a lot more practicing than I (regarding religion), sent a refreshing email about an exchange of ideas between Einstein and one of his college professors, who was a Christian, about faith and science. The bottom line was that both have many facets that need to be taken on faith. Not everthing in science can be absolutely proven, such as magnetism, but we assume the concepts to be "true" as situations involing magnetism react the same way every single time. Same way about tenets of any religious belief system.

I asked my sister another question, though. Why is it that some people of all faiths feel it neccesary to kill others who do not share their beliefs. That bugs me. The Irish-Catholics and Scotch-Presbyterians, the Jews and Arabs, for instance. It isn't just way over in parts of the globe where we usually don't travel, but our own culture is guilty, too, with the treatment of the Indians.

each one believes that theirs is the "right way" and so do i. but there is one thing that most seem to forget,each one claims to love and yet they show very little of it to those who do not share their beliefs. the LORD said that we should love one another as HE loves us. i don't think we understand the love of GOD at all! i do believe HE sent HIS SON to save us! but i'm not going to argue with anyone who doesn't believe the same as me. for one thing we were told not to argue religion. but we were told to love. so i choose love, sometimes that is hard with some people,so i do the best i can. i know that GOD IS PERFECT in HIS love and that love had a name. JESUS

I enjoy your comments and find them very interesting and thought provoking. I am a Christian, but far from perfect. And, yes, my belief is based on faith. As for the question of why some feel it is okay to destroy those who do not share their faith, there are just some things for which there are no answers. We are each individuals, and God gave each of us freedom to make our own decisions in life. Unfortunately all of those decisions are not good ones or in line with what Christ teaches. Beginning with Adam and Eve, people made poor choices, and therefore must pay the consequences. Religion wasn't a part of the poor treatment of the Indians, of course - or certainly not the cause of all that took (takes) place, nor the issue of slavery. The world is not perfect, but then it's made up of millions of very imperfect people.

blessed are those who come in the name of the LORD! prayer is the window to peoples hearts. nothing we can do are say will work without HIS help!

I too was so alone, EXCEPT for God that I KNEW was in my heart, nudging me along to do things that might be difficult and painful, but necessary! I kept thinking of "thou are the potter, I am the clay" and prayed and prayed to be molded and removed from the painful fire of TESTING! I have had enough, some say that if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it! Hmmm If you are almost well, then that makes sense, before that time—-No, at least for me! I felt that God was expecting too MUCH from me, I can not do this, and why should I even keep trying!!!!! Oh, glib comments of a "a long, dark tunnel with a light at the end—-" how poetic, and how cruel!! How much PAIN do I have to endure?? Why don't others hurt, why do they seem so perfect—-when I know that they aren't!! WHY??!!???!!!

Well, you get my drift, I have NEVER opened up so much in my life, and do you know what??? for the past 4 days, my BS have been NORMAL 96 to 121!! Yeah, so something must be improving and I do feel better INSIDE too!!! Love to ALL!!PR

I generally am in a good mood and when diagnosed with diabetes was not depressed at all. As a nutritionist I knew what to do, and have maintained a steady weight loss, never had a A1c over 7. (it's 5.5 right now), and select doctors that respect my idioscyncratic curiosity about holistic ways of looking at things. However, my body doesn't always obey me, even when I follow the rules. My heart flutters, and when I told my doctor it had been doing so for at least 35 years, he had me wear a Holter device for 24 hours. That test revealed that it "fluttered" far too many times during a day, so I had to have an echocardiogram. My first session with the cardiologist, whom I liked, stunned me into "never-never-land." I could not see, and could barely walk. I should add that I am 66, have been a single person for 25 years, and am used to being in charge… of me, my surroundings, whatever. All of a sudden I was not. And to make matters worse my brand new husband was at home recovering from minor surgery. No way could I drive home feeling as I did so I went to the hospital cafe and had an early dinner and relaxed a bit. The next day I had the echocardiogram which revealed all is well with my heart EXCEPT… the upper left ventricle is not relaxing, and fluid is beginning to build up. Eventually, in 20 years, or so, the fluid (blood) will spill into the lungs. The arteries are clear, and the valves are otherwise good. Nothing to do… no change in diet…just maintain to keep the A1c under control, take my meds as ordered, drop the caffeine to 1 cup a day, and exercise (which is not a problem — I take the stairs whenever I can). But the news that I am to suffer from congestive heart failure, especially after following all the rules for being "such a good diabetic" the ten years I have had THAT condition, infuriates me as well as depresses me. I've been moping around. Fortunately I have enough activities with deadlines to keep me busy that I don't dwell on it, and I know it's a fairly new phenonema — that is just now being recognized as happening more to women than men — but I wonder —— do others ponder their death, or not think about it? Though reared a Presbyterian I can't get too excited about traditional Christian churches because they seem more concerned about appearances, and I am too much a scientist to believe something that can't be proven or at least have a theory or 2 behind the thought.

thank you for posting

It's rewarding to go back and read what I had written earlier. I've gotten used to the idea that I will die gasping for a breath of oxygen, and hope I'll be doing something active and fun. I was reading, and then saw your posting, which made everything even more rewarding…

I'm glad to read that you are seeking professional help. I had not seen this when I wrote a couple of other posts in different discussions. I do hope you're finding it helpful. I'm sure we all would prefer not to have to deal with diabetes, but there surely are a lot worse things we could be dealing with. At least we have options and can take action to keep the situation controlled if we only will.

Yes I have been going since 2001.

I have been seeing a shrink and therapist for 7 years.If you ever want to talk I'm here.

I've always had a hard time with depression.When ya get depressed you care less about yourself and your diabetes. I have talked to counselors before about various things including diabetes, but they don't inspire me to do better or change things

i am down so much that it is a normal state to be in. i have trouble enjoying anything. there is no sparkle left. i have moments of pure silliness,but they don't last long. why is everything a drag?

Have you ever seen a psychiatrist?

yes i have,he just gave me a prescription for prozac. it helped a lot. i just had to many bad things happen to close together,and i can't seem to get over it. thanks for caring.

things that happened years ago i can't get over.

it is really crappy! and most folks just don't get it! they think i'm a crybaby or something of the sort.

i know exactly where you are coming from.it's the same for me

I am shocked, for I too have felt similar, thought I was ALONE!! They say that is one of the debilitating processes of depression, to single one out, to make you feel like anyone and everyone can do a better job of such, than you! And there is NO talking yourself out of those feelings!! For me, I FINALLY (after 50 years) have gotten so I can stand to REMEMBER, to FEEL THE REAL PAIN of certain incidents, then slowly work through it and ask yourself if the reason you are so down on yourself, (Extremes are suicidal—which I have always been—-)Was the incidents really YOUR fault, or was someone "whispering in your ear" that "It was all your fault, doesn't matter on the nice, sensitive folks!!!! Just letting "things roll off, don't pay attention", do not work, or at least they didn't for me!!

You suspect that others surely feel this way too, but no one will admit it, maybe—can't—because of the pain it stirs up??! You FEEL so all ALone, BUT you are NOT, on this site, there may be a few skeptics, but they are hurting too, only in their own way!

Praise the Lord and may HE Bless Us ALL, to find PEACE in our lifetimes!! PR

i saw one for a while, not long enough to help. my insurance doesn't do very well in covering mental health. i stopped going to church because no one understood that depression is something you can not control, they thought i should,just get over it. the it just keeps going on.

How long ago has that been?

Hey, you too???!!! Citygirl?? I was faced with the same doubt from fellow church members whom I THOUGHT should be in a position to HELP! But they DID NOT!!!! Just kept stirring up more pain and guilt, and I had lost the reason, WHY!??!

That is when it is so important to find a caring, neutral person who will listen, maybe offer a different perspective, or just be kind while you try and work through it yourself, WITH THE HELP OF ELEVATING DRUGS!! For many of us, just doing things to help others, doesn't increase enough endorfins to help us wrench ourselves free of a past, that we may have buried as it was too painful to face!! BUT, that only triggers psychosis, which was where I was for a few years—-desperate to locate someone who CARED and didn't mind if I snorted the wrong way! Yeah for ALL of us!! May we UNITE and win our own battles, with reinforcements!! Love TO ALL!, Pat r

There are people out there who will talk with others. But are terrified at the truth and that is they need professional help.

Hi Misery,

I take Lorazepam for Anxiety. I guess that alot of diabetics suffer from depression. You are not alone! I know that it can be overwhelming, but you can always write on this site and have people that care 24/7…

Your friend, Leigh

Thank you Leigh. I'm on 4 different meds. I have a psychiatrist and therapist.

Goddess, you DO?? Here I thought that you had it all together, maybe do, but you can admit that you need and have help! WOW!! In this town everyone knows that I see a psychiatrist, therapist, meds and been hospitalized several times and have it going around town that I am CRAZY for over 40 years! Trouble is, I felt CRAZY, Just waiting for someone to see the REAL ME, and to understand that I just got so tired of trying to cope, by keeping it all inside and NOT bothering anyone! And if I did admit that I needed help, the critics pulled out their big guns, "You don't have as much to worry about as others—etc—-that increased the guilt and self hatred—I am weak—-!!! I can't believe that I found this site where others can share and not be ridiculed, that they actually feel similar to my own darker side!

Well, Goddess, with that big smile, who would have thought??!! I love it, keep smiling and I will too, just keep the doubters out there, guessing!! Yea for OUR side!!! PR

I still see them and am are on meds. It's the only way I can survive being all alone.

Of course, Goddess! I agree wholeheartedly!! So many people around here made fun of me said that I did NOT need PILLS or DRUGS!! Little do they know that if it weren't for them (meds , therapist, and psych) I would have left this world many years ago because I could NOT stand that pain, with no possible end in sight!! hang in there too, as will I, and know that we are NOT alone!!! your friend Pat r

I was in therapy for a long time, starting when I was a teenager.

I'm now a therapist (art therapy and traditional talk therapy), developing a practice that specializes in treating diabetics.

My doctor also has recommended therapy but I can't see how it would do any good

as there is nothing "good" about this mess to get "better" about. I don't want to "cope" with it, I want it gone, eradicated, as it it never existed. And happy pills which he also suggested cause more problems than they're worth

I used to think there is nothing good about it either. I didn't adapt well as a child, and as a teenager and only until a few years ago, I really struggled with it. I have had complications because my emotional health interfered with my ability to manage it. I tell everyone that emotional well-being is the foundation of good diabetes management. Some people will say education is the foundation, but I assert that one cannot learn and retain the information they need to manage this unless they're in a good state of mind.

If you decide you do not want to cope with it, it will eventually hurt you, much as it hurt me. It didn't just hurt me physically, it damaged relationships because friends and family can only sit back and watch you kill yourself for so long. There are far-reaching implications for not dealing with the emotional/behavioral/psychological side of this disease.

As for "happy pills", anti-depressants saved my life. Depression is not an imagined state of mind, it's a real illness with a biological basis that doesn't necessarily respond to just pulling oneself up by their bootstraps. Some people have a depressive response to an adverse event, like a diabetes diagnosis, and once they adjust and learn some effective coping skills, the depression lifts. Other people, like myself, have chronic depression that responds best to a combination of psychiatric meds and counseling. There are many medications to treat depression, and everyone responds differently to them. If someone is having issues finding one that works, it's best to meet with a psychiatrist since that is their specialty, and hopefully they can help find a medication or combination thereof that works. Some meds have side-effects, but there are some that don't or have side-effects that are minimal and tolerable. I've been on the same one for 12 years, and I don't experience any ill effects from it.

It sounds like maybe you're in the early stages of your journey with diabetes, so I hope in time, your beliefs about it evolve, and you make peace with it. Certainly, participating on sites like this is a wonderful thing that will help propel you on your journey.

Lee Ann, You were right on with your response, I thank you for an inteligent,and creative way to help one cope with this disease. Robert

I just happen to have an appt. this Fri. with my therapist. I have been on anti-depressants for 7 years.

Thank you for your wonderful response. I have a combination of illnesses Diabetes and Bi-Polar Disorder. I first started therapy to deal with the mood swings from the Bi-Polar and soon realized that a lot of my swings where from my Diabetes and blood sugar reactions. Sometimes when I tell people that I'm seeing a therapist they assume it is because of my Bi-Polar but many times I spend the sessions talking about my Diabetes and how I am dealing with that. Thankfully my therapist knows alot about diabetes and helps counsil me on the psychological side of this disease. I think everyone diagnosed with Diabetes should have at least one session with a therapist just to vent their frustration with this chronic and often depressing disease.

you are so right!

thank you for sharing BeckyJ

Hmmm. That makes me wonder. I have been recently diagnosed with bi-polar because of mood swings and was precribed Trileptal. I haven't discussed diabetes with the counselor yet, just the anxiety and depression with mood swings. I feel weird bringing up to many things. Sometimes I feel like if I say to much I will sound like a complainer. So I hold a lot in. I know that isn't good.

But isn't that what you are going for? All of your emotions and issues make you who you are. Let it out!!!

My 7 year old goes to a therapest every other week to deal with problems surround his LD. His therapist tells me that he is a plesant child but he doesn't open up. Right now I think they are just having play dates and not working on his issues :(

Wow, That sounds so much like ME!! I just discovered this post, so much acknowledgment matches my own! I have tried for several years to try and tell my psychiatrist how I feel, but like most other Dr., sorry to say, I had to rely on my own digging it out and "translating the strangeness" in my own mind. But for one thing, he did not make fun of me, so that helped to create a loving center, that I could start to express myself, no matter what, and he did not say that I was a bad girl for feeling like that!

So, in his own way, they have helped, but the med, Cymbalta is the real tool that eased my buried emotional pain, so I could even DIG! But this site is the real thing where I feel free to express myself, that has added more layers of caring!! NOw I can feel nice towards others too! When you are emotionally bankrupt, it is almost impossible to give what you don't have! Thanks to all, that no longer applies to me, ( for the most part) AND my BS have been in the normal range for one week now, this morn it was 94!!!!!! Yeah, I Never thought that I would see low numbers again, after struggling in my own way, for 3 years.

Best Wishes to ALL!! PR

You make so many good points, Lee Ann. We need more of your comments. Like most folks I've had numerous issues and things to deal with in my life in addition to diabetes. Because I am from an era when we didn't seek or get counseling or meds to deal with life, but felt we could overcome issues on our own, I held off far too long allowing the doctor to prescribe something for me, even though they were suggested on several occasions. I came to a point where I gave in, and he gave me Lexapro (minimum dosage) which he explained was for anxiety, as opposed to depression (which seemed to be my problem), and assured me that it was not addictive. Not only did it even out my disposition, it solved my sleep problems as well. After a while I cut back to 1 every other day, and it still does the trick. It really is so necessary to get your emotions in check in order to deal with your diabetes. I don't want us to be a world of drug addicts and whiney babies who seek counseling for every little thing, but when it's needed you definitely should take advantage of the help that's out there. Controlling your diabetes is a must. Thanks for your great comments, Lee Ann. Really very helpful.

thank you so much for sharing

I think that is wonderful. How is it going?

I was married to a psychotherapist who had major troubles, himself, with self-esteem issues. He though that if I saw a therapist my issues wouod be resolved and I would see myself as he wished I would be. The best 6 years of my life were with my therapist who helped me through a divorce, develop my own being, establish my own professionalism, and take charge of my career advancement. It was expensive and insurance didn't always pay for it. But I am alive, and it didn't always look to me like I wanted to be alive if I stayed married.

It seems like we had the same kind of marriage.

I am in a Group Therapy ay the VA. We meet every 2 weeks for 4 hours!!!

I usally just talk to the walls or myself.. No one listens to me anyway!!

Pity!!!!

NamVet

I listen to you.

Hey we all listen on here, but I know what you mean about the Va therapy. My dad is a Nam Vet as well. He goes to "therapy" 2 times a month, and he says it doesn't help much…

I know what you mean Nam. Sometimes I feel like I am not heard and that I am just bringing others down. Not a fun place to be!

BethP have you been to a therapist?

Ok maybe I am odd but my whole family has died of cancer including my mother and father. So diabetes is not that bad. Yes it is life changing and it is painful and requires a lifestle change but giving the alternative of getting cancer, I will deal with the diabetes. Sorry if that offended anyone.

I know what you mean. I lost my dad to cancer.

Ditto, with a couple of changes. :)

Lost my Mom to cancer..and she was a psychotherapist. I am talking with a grief counselor once a week. And I was "invited" to join a bereavement group at my Temple. My initial reaction was "is it that obvious?" LOL

The group starts next Tuesday. I am doing my best to keep an open mind..but to be honest, I'm not looking forward to it. Sometimes thats an indicator for me that I could benefit from it…the more I resist, the more things persist.

Do what makes you feel at ease and not all tensed up.

I lost my Mom to cancer, back in 1979, I still dream of her just as she is still alive, I guess I have never accepted her death. Everytime I need something I dream of her and it makes me feel better. I have tried talking to councelers at Church but so far none have helped me. I tell them I have so much hatred in me, I can't stand myself, but I don't think they comprehend what I'm going through, I'm so tired of hatred and anger it seems to dominate my life.

Debbie

maybe you need to see a therapist.

My heart goes out to you Debbie, You may find reading the book ' Exploring Forgiveness' by Robert Enright helpful. I put a book recommendation for it on site. Anger, especially righteous anger is hard to process. This is a truly wonderful work on what it is to deal with the affect of injustice and has tools to help come to terms with it. practical steps… I can only tell you it helped me process some very intense anger for some very deep injustice. I lost a dear brother to cancer, and both my parents died from heart attacks. My mother had been cruel to me all my life, and it still broke my heart when she died in my arms while waiting in a doctor's waiting room. life happens, but sometimes we need help sorting it all out… Wishing you the best of all possibilities… j

I never seen a therapist yet. Probably someday. I was 6 yrs old, was train and aught at a young age. It was a way I always knew. I can't imagine starting later in life. I guess not easy being a diabetic young but you learn right from the start. I have a great set of MD's that spend time with me and answer any question I have. I am lucky I have understanding MD's.

thank you

My insurance doesn't cover one.I had a rocovering addict recommend that I start into a recovery program."Recovery from what", I said.Well, i'm almost fully recovered now, it helped out alot.It helped rebuild my self-esteme, my self worth,I'm not a bourded to anyone anymore.I am myself.

thank you

Do you find that it helps? My sons Dr. has suggested it to him, but of course he says NO!!! But he does talk to his Youth Pastor and it has seemed to help..

thank you