I’m feeling very depressed in dealing with my daughters diabetes. She is doing great and is only 2 years old. I guess because I’m dealing with everything, it is really getting to me. I’m tired of poking her…and I’m just tired. Is this normal?
Honestly, I think it is very natural. You are probably functioning on very little sleep as well and I think that makes
everything worse. At 2 they are not able to convey what they are feeling and that means it is up to you to test to
figure it out. Just remember, this is a marathon - not a sprint. It is overwhelming and it really stinks, but I keep saying,
it is what it is, and so I have to deal. I am sorry your little girl is so young. Know, that what you are feeling is nothing
that any of us mothers haven’t already felt or thought!!! Try to have someone else be in charge for a few hours so
maybe you can get a good nap in. Nancy
Thanks much!
It is hard b/c my husband travels for work, then on weekends he doesn’t even know what time zone he is in. I feel like a single mom most times just trying to deal with the diabetes and everything that comes with a two year old.
I think we all know how you feel both of mine are young too Owen is your daughter age and he is at just about 6 month dx now and his brother who is 4 in may will be a year. try making it a game her testing. we did this and now when we test owen he doesnt even give us a hassel but he even gives out a little giggle. I you ever need to just talk to an adult about whats going on just let me know I would be happy to help…
Sending out some cyber (((hugs))). Sounds like you need a good relaxing moment . . . The first few weeks/months are really exhausting. We are only about 7 months in - but it really does seem easier on a day to day basis. If you are like me - I have NO friends who have kids with D - so I rely solely on my online network of support to help me when the going gets tough.
Hang in there . . . it is so natural to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and somewhat depressed. Good for you for reaching out . . . See if you can get someone to help even if for an hour so that you can take a walk, a bath, or get somewhere to relax a bit. We all need a breather every now and then.
Sending more (((hugs))) and some peace!
Erin,
We don’t have a child with diabetes but given what I feel as an adult with diabetes, I can imagine how you must feel now. You are a trooper: keep it up!
If I may recommend something that may have some therapeutical value: why don’t you submit a poem as part of our No-Sugar-Added poetry contest? In life, I have found that writing serves a great deal when I am going through a rough spot…
Big hug!
Hey, Erin…
My little girl is about to turn 3 this month and was dx 3 weeks ago tomorrow. I do think it’s normal to feel depressed at this stage in the game. It’s alot to handle, especially by yourself. Heck, a 2 year old is a lot to handle, much less one that you have to poke and give shots to! Hugs to you and hang in there! Ditto the advice of others…find a way to get a break or a nap or SOMETHING for yourself (currently what I’m working on, too…not going so well).
Cobi
Hi, Erin, I’m sorry to hear you’re having a rough time. My daughter was diagnosed at 15 months (now 3 & 1/4) and I remember having a lot of moments like what you described. My husband also travels a lot internationally throughout the year, so I can empathize with doing it all solo at times. Do you have any friends that you could train to be a back-up for you or to take over for a few hours? I have a friend who is a nurse who does this for me every so often and it really helps.
It is overwhelming, especially in the beginning, but it will get easier as they get older.
Feel free to send me a message if you have questions or if I can be of help! Take care~
Erin, My reply will echo what everyone else has said: diabetes is a tough disease, quite frankly it “sucks” so it’s OK to feel overwhelmed and depressed but you need to remember that you have to take care of you so that you can be there for your daughter! Find a friend, family member to give you a break for awhile and just go spend some time taking care of Erin. I wish we all lived closer so we could actually provide some physical support but since we can’t I am sending an on-line hug))))))))))))))))))))))). Lorri
I have been where you are. It’s tough when you have to take everything on and be so strong all the time. It’s wonderful that she’s doing so well, and that’s because of your dedication to her health and well-being. A big issue with being a full time caretaker is knowing when you need a break to regroup and do something for you. I know finding time around the schedule of a 2 year old and a traveling husband is probably a challenge, (not to mention finding a sitter who knows the ins and outs of T1) but it’s so important for your own health and happiness, too.
I promise, this feeling will not last. It does get better with time, and as your daughter gets older, she’ll become more self-sufficient in her diabetes care,and that helps a ton. In the meantime, keep up the good work and remember it’s alright to do something nice for yourself once in awhile!
Take Care.
hi
erin i understand being depressed my son age 8 was just diagnosed Jan 27th 2009 he also has autism dx at age 3 1/2 colitis age 6 asthma age 1 seizures at age 2 so i do understand what you are going through
becky
Thank-you so much!! This week is turning out to be better than last week. I know there will be days, and I’m glad there is this site out here for all of us.
Erin,
I’m glad last week was better for you!
Cobi