Employ Your Support
The previous section was an example of using supports for damage control. Supports are equally useful in situations where you are looking to increase prevention. Prevention is a good way to build a buffer separating you from diabetes burn out. A thin buffer provides less cushioning and is more vulnerable to situational stresses like a bad reading on a test. A thick buffer can cushion you from even the biggest falls.
The way to add to your buffer is easy; just do things that you enjoy with people you like. Your supports can be people, places, things and any combination of the three. Spending time engaged in supports will provide you some time away from the stress and tension of diabetes and make you feel like a well-rounded person again. When you return, you will have a fresh perspective and renewed energy to remain persistent.
Employ New Technology
If you are reading this, you have internet access. It is also safe to assume that many of you have smartphones. Interestingly enough, the usefulness of smartphones extends past their ability to keep you distracted for hours as you scroll through social media and play your newest addictive game. App makers are continually bringing out more sophisticated and helpful apps to manage your diabetes symptoms. If your symptoms feel less overwhelming and more controllable, you will be more likely to maintain your persistence.
Check the app store for some options that sound like they could be beneficial for you. If you have already checked, check back regularly. New apps are coming out all the time that work to integrate numerous features into a centralized location. This convergence saves you time and energy.
Consider a new app available for Apple products. On the day that the masses were learning more about connected watches and new laptops, information regarding medical research and diabetes care went mostly unnoticed. An app called GlucoSuccess was unveiled as a collaborative effort with Massachusetts General Hospital. The goal of the app is to understand the balance between diet, physical activity, and medications, and how, in turn, these affect blood sugar. What makes this app different is that it allows you to send your data to researchers studying diabetes to aid in their efforts to find better treatment and better results. Do your own research to see if the app might be right for you.
Seek Therapy
Depression is a major concern for people with diabetes as the loss of control, change in self-perception and modification of old habits can bring about sadness. As depression increases, it will work to sway your from your persistence. After all, a less-healthy you is a more depressed you. Unless you can target your depression and other mental health concerns directly, you cannot address you diabetes.
When seeking a qualified therapist, be sure to inquire about their theoretical orientation and experience with diabetes. Their theoretical orientation pertains to the type of therapy they are trained in and their mental health philosophy. Research has shown that people with diabetes seem to get more positive results when they work with a therapist trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy.
This orientation focuses on the idea that thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all connected and influence one another. This therapist can provide tips and insight to help you become more efficient and motivated with your diabetes treatment while lowering your mental health symptoms. Efficacy maintains the persistence you need so badly.
Conclusion
Maintaining persistence in the face of diabetes is no easy task. In fact, it is quite grueling, demanding and frustrating. Treating your diabetes cannot be a “sometimes” task. For the best results, your medical condition needs to be in the front of your mind. Follow the tips above to avoid burnout and guarantee that your persistence persists for years to come.
