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There is a common thread among us- parents who are concerned about their child with Type 1 diabetes that is sad. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind as your family adjusts to daily living with Type 1 diabetes.
I truly don’t think there is a soul out there who hasn’t shared in you or your child’s feelings at one point or another in their diagnosis. I think that each and every one of us has some type or touch of sadness/ depression at diagnosis and thereafter. As children grow their feelings and knowledge about diabetes continuously change. Keeping a healthy body and mind and realizing how they both affect the other is a vital part of wellness in dealing with any chronic disease.
I always try my best to give positive feedback as much as I can. If my daughter asks about a cure I tell her all about the research projects that are going on. Children at very young ages can really understand a lot. I recently shared with my daughter the research on vaccines and SmartInsulin. She gets very excited about technology as well. The connections being made between continuous glucose sensors and insulin pumps are amazing and will change the face of diabetes in years to come! JDRF is funding an artificial pancreas project that is so amazing. Filling their little hearts and minds with hope is so important. Letting them know you are always there for them is also an amazing answer. It’s so great that you are noticing their feelings and addressing them. You have your finger on the pulse of their feelings and they know how much you love them.
You may consider meeting with your child’s primary Doctor or Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) with or without your child. It is important to address your concerns about Type 1 diabetes and sadness and how they may be related. Sharing your feelings with your CDE or Physician will open many doors for you. Most children at diagnosis have a very difficult time emotionally with their diagnosis. There is such a mixture of fear, the unknowns, pain, loss of control, etc. Shared information on this as a “forever diagnosis” can be very overwhelming for anyone- particularly to a child. It always feels good to be heard and this should not serve as an embarrassing experience for you to come out of the closet with your feelings. Know you are not alone and this is not a “weakness” they are experiencing, or your fault in any way.
How has their control been, is their HgbA1C normal? Having consistently high numbers or lots of highs and lows can closely mimic signs and symptoms of sadness. Perhaps your insulin needs adjustments and you should see your care providers. Are they exercising? Not only will things as simple as walking/ jumping and playing help to lower their numbers but it will also increase endorphins that will help to boost their mood. Exercise can in and of itself break a cycle of circling the drain emotionally.
I also believe greatly in the power that support groups can lend to all of us. As we grow and blossom with this disease and all of the accompaniments the friendships we form can help us generate our strength through numbers and common understanding of living with diabetes Type 1 diabetes. Has your family been involved in any since their diagnosis? Check in with JDRF and have your kids connect on JDRF- Kids Online. Summer camps can be another fabulous way for your child to bond with other kids (see online connections in my blog for links to summer camps).
As a mother of a daughter who was diagnosed with Type I diabetes (in the 1980′s), I can relate to depression. My daughter was 12 years and very I’ll when di.agnosed. Me being a registered nurse made it harder and easier at the same time. You need time to absorb and accept the fact that this thing called diabetes will change your child’s and your family’s life. It took me about 3 months time accept this diagnosis. I then decided to take the high road and be optimistic and refuse to think about anything beyond the next six months. I figured I had enough to worry about right now. Yes, I worried all the time. Yes I got angry listening to other Mothers talking about their child’s food preferences and other habits. I could give them something really important to worry about. No one understands your situation except another parent whose child has diabetes. My daughter graduated from college, got married and has two beautiful children. She became a strong, caring, thoughtful and intelligent person and yes a patient and loving mother and someone who is active in attempting to improve the lives of other people with diabetes. Your strength and patience will make your child strong.