Contents:
- Medical Video: The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong | Amy Morin | TEDxOcala
- Have you ever…
- Tips for dealing with emotional turmoil from diabetes in adolescents
- 1. Ask for help
- 2. Give it to know what you feel and need
- 3. Ask for support from mother, father and other family members
- 4. Tell the true conditions to your friends
- Another thing to do
Medical Video: The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong | Amy Morin | TEDxOcala
Diabetes in adolescents has a big influence on psychological conditions. Yes, many teenagers deal with diabetes every day. Although the frequency of these conditions is not a big problem, sometimes diabetes can also cause frustration.
If you are one of the teenagers who often feel worse because of diabetes, consider various tips to deal with emotional turmoil in adolescents with diabetes below.
Have you ever…
- Asking "why should I?"
- Thinking that you are the only one who feels sad, angry, lonely, scared, or different?
- Blame yourself or your family for the diabetes you have?
All of the above feelings are natural. Many teenagers who have diabetes feel the same way. It's okay to be angry, sad, or feel different all the time. But you need to do something to make yourself feel better.
Remember, you are not alone. Out there are many teenagers who are also struggling like you to control their diabetes.
Tips for dealing with emotional turmoil from diabetes in adolescents
Still feeling down? The tips below might help relieve the emotions of teenagers who have diabetes.
1. Ask for help
Talk to family or friends, school counselors, teachers, or doctors. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Many people care about you and want to help you stay healthy and happy.
Not only friends and family, but also your health care team (dietitians, doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers) can help you learn how to make healthy food choices, move a lot, and feel better about yourself. Contact them whenever you need.
If talking directly feels heavy, try writing all your feelings in the book diary or a personal blog might help.
2. Give it to know what you feel and need
If you are still in school, tell the school that you have diabetes and you have to follow a certain lifestyle, eat certain foods, take diabetes medications on time, and be physically active.
Do not let diabetes prevent you from participating in school activities. You can do whatever your friends do.
3. Ask for support from mother, father and other family members
It's easier to deal with diabetes in adolescents when the whole family works with you. So…
- Apply healthy eating habits at home. Ask your family members at home to join in applying healthy habits like eating a lot fruit and vegetables, whole wheat bread, meat, milk and cheese that are low in fat. Don't forget, also tell your family not to tempt you with cakes, sweets or soft drinks.
- Invite them to move a lot. Hitting a drum, throwing a ball, riding a bicycle, or just taking a walk together are just a few of the activities you can try to actively move every day. Not only does it make you more active, these activities also help you to relax and reduce stress.
Remember, everything that is healthy for you is healthy for all family members.
4. Tell the true conditions to your friends
Feeling worried that your friends don't understand your illness?
- Tell them that you have diabetes. You don't need to keep it a secret. The more people know, the more they understand. Explain that your body needs special food.
- Make sure everyone knows that diabetes in adolescents is not a contagious disease.
- Good friends will help each other. They understand your needs and will support you. Have one friend who always makes sure you choose healthy food while eating out.
Another thing to do
- Make simple targets in a certain period of time. Example: "I will reduce soda and choose to drink water." After this goes well, do the next step. Add other destinations such as "I'm going to the gym or riding a bicycle several times a week." Then add another goal, "I will eat fewer cakes, burgers and fried foods."
- Try to make new, more difficult targets. After drum exercises 2 times a day, try adding other activities on the other three days. Increase your target until you reach the level that is right for you.
- Avoid targets that will be very difficult to achieve. For example, instead of saying you won't eat a burger or candy again, let's say you will only eat it once a week.
- Ask for support from family and friends. Maybe they will be active with you or help you in other ways.
- Give a gift to yourself. Gifts can be anything, not just food. You don't need to reach all targets at once, start with one or two things, then add.
