I very strongly agree with you about the need for therapy. A diagnosis of any chronic illness is upsetting, and depression is very common among the chronically ill. I wish I had had therapy when I was diagnosed (and I was an adult!), because I still find it hard to accept diabetes. I am going for therapy NOW, and I do talk about it a lot with my therapist, but it’s really hard. And yes, I have been out of control because of my denial and rebellion, even after many years.
I wonder if those who write the protocols for treatment of the newly diagnosed have any idea about this!
No, because they are approaching the problem from an endocrine perspective. Psych is not their department!
Right on Brenda. The treatments available may have changed between ‘74 and 93’ when I was diagnosed but the attitude didn’t. My biggest problem with the “it can be controlled, it’s not a big deal” attitude is that (at 16) I developed the impression that I wouldn’t have to try very hard. That led to too many years of less-than-ideal control that I wish I could take back. Drs should stay positive, but they need to be realistic with patients because this really is a lifelong fight where every day counts!
I hear you Tom T!!
I’ve often wondered if TuDiabetes has been utilized to it’s highest potential. I have a vision that TuDiabetes would someday develop “white papers” and/or op-eds on appropriate advocacy topics.
A perfect example could be one on the need for education on the emotional aspect of D at the point of DX for all people with D. The CDE association could be asked to co-sponsor, sign or whatever term needed to show agreement and then this could be presented to AMA and professional association of MDs in family practice.
Another issue could be the need for accuracy of meters.
Just something that has always been rolling around in my head.