#DBlogWeek Day Two: The Other Half of Diabetes

In the midst of graduation, my birthday (I turn 18 tomorrow), and all of the stresses associated with life, I was reminded by my amazing AP Language teacher from last year (the person that had me write this) that this blog existed and she encouraged me to start writing again. #DBlogWeek is happening at a perfect time because I have no clue what to write about at the moment, so I am super thankful for the week of prompts! Let's jump into my first blog post of the year! (Oops...)

We think a lot about the physical component of diabetes, but the mental component is just as significant. How does diabetes affect you or your loved one mentally or emotionally? How have you learned to deal with the mental aspect of the condition? Any tips, positive phrases, mantras, or ideas to share on getting out of a diabetes funk?  

Diabetes, thankfully, hasn't put too much strain on my mental health. I am so grateful that I was diagnosed at 5 1/2 years old because I don't have to live with memories constantly reminding me that I was once non-diabetic. I watch my little sister struggle sometimes with her diabetes and I know that part of it is because she can remember being able to eat what she wanted without covering her blood sugar or having to test her blood. While my mental strain is never too high because of diabetes, I do still have little worries here and there: the possibilities of complications; how annoying testing my blood is; and how easy it is to forget insulin are a few of these small worries that ebb and flow through my mind.

Unfortunately, diabetes does affect my emotions. A lot. High blood sugar = being annoyed at everyone, difficulty focusing on anything (which is especially fun while I'm taking tests or my AP exams), and me being a general pain for most people I'm around. Low blood sugar = being shaky, talking too fast and nonsensically for others and myself to understand, and staring down other people's food as I search for something to make my hunger disappear. After over a decade of diabetes (wow, that's quite a long time), I've learned that sometimes I just have to be patient. Trying to do a physics problem when my BG is 504 is just not going to happen. Eating only four glucose tabs will do the trick when I'm waiting for my blood sugar to go up, even though I feel like 8 is a better short term plan. Diabetes is a huge lesson in patience (and I've been in a love/hate relationship with patience for years). I've also learned that the people that make the most ignorant comments of all, often just need more education than your average person. There's no point in wasting my time or energy on being bitter and angry, when instead I could be educating and changing someone's view of the world.

Whenever I'm have a worry-filled day or just a bout of burnout, I try to treat myself. Whether I am watching my favorite movie, reading a new book, or just making some of my favorite tea, I try to do something for me to make myself feel better after having a rough day. Doing something for myself makes my day a thousand times better and gets me out of a negative mood (which I'm trying to work on). Talking with the #DOC, whether it is through twitter, blog, or video, always helps. Misery loves company and sharing your experiences with others that actually understand what I'm going through helps me get through my rough days and I'm sure it will help you, too.

Remember when times get tough, that you are more than your diabetes and that you always have the DOC, friends, and family to talk with.
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If you want to get involved with #DBlogWeek or read more posts about today's prompt, you can check out the link up to the responses to today's prompts here!