Receiving a diabetes diagnosis may come as a shock to both the patient and their loved ones, even if there have been warning signs and symptoms of the illness for some time. The way each of us reacts psychologically and adapts to the condition varies, depending on factors such as life situation, previous experiences and personal coping mechanisms.
Being diagnosed with diabetes may be the first-time person has to process strong, even overwhelming, emotional reactions. Understandably, the loss of health may cause grief, anxiety, the feeling of losing control and uncertainty over your future.
As a result of the condition, previous traumatic or particularly difficult life experiences, and especially the thoughts and emotions related to them, may resurface and occupy the mind. This is normal, and it may happen even if you have processed those previous experiences and they have not been troubling you for many years.
You may experience sense of injustice or even anger. Why did this happen to me? Why did I or my loved one get sick when others get to be healthy? Feelings of guilt are also common at different stages of the illness. Did I do this to myself? Have I not taken proper care of myself if my blood sugar is not right? Especially in connection with feelings of guilt, it is important to remember that diabetes is always the sum of many factors, and therefore getting sick is not anyone's fault, even in cases where one's own actions may have contributed to the development of diabetes.
After the initial shock, everyone in their own way starts to process the reality of having diabetes and the impact of the life changes it brings. The thoughts will start to turn to the future instead of constantly worrying about the condition.