When you’re dealing with an illness or condition which sets you apart from everyone else it can be difficult to feel ‘normal’ and secure in yourself. On top of having to manage a condition which alters the way you have to live your life, you’re dealing with the emotional strain of being different which can add all sorts of detriment to your condition. It’s important in these circumstances to seek out support where you can and let me tell you, it doesn’t matter how unique or obscure you may think your condition is, you’ll find someone, somewhere who’s dealing with the same thing.
This is true of type one diabetics, who arguably suffer from the more severe of the two main types of diabetes. They’re left having to plan their lives around their condition and though for the most part they’ll have been diagnosed fairly early in life (generally in childhood) they’ll often be one of the only type one diabetics they know. Less than 10% of the diabetic population suffer from type one and due to type two’s manageability through the use of specialised diet and general lifestyle change, many people are under the misconception that diabetes isn’t a serious condition. This can make it hard for diabetics to talk to people about their condition as those they speak to will not have experienced the disease themselves.
Thankfully the internet has brought us together. It’s given us chat rooms and online bingo, it’s opened our lives to new and unique music and it’s given us the ability to communicate with people across the world, people we’d never meet in a usual life time. You’ll find all manner of online support communities, chock full of lifestyle tips and anecdotes from other sufferers. Knowing that you’re by no means alone in the world may well be all the boost you need, it’s always reassuring to know that someone, somewhere is going through the stress and strain that you are. It’s nice to know that they understand.
For some people, online support may seem a little lacking. This is fine too, if you do a little research you’ll find local support groups. Due to type one diabetes’ relative infrequency you’ll probably have to look in the larger towns, or even cities and hospitals for these groups, but they are there and you will find them. Meeting and getting to know people in the same boat as you might help you ease some of the strain and share the burden somewhat.
Comments are closed.