“Frustration is a very positive sign. It means that the solution to your problem is within range, but what you're currently doing isn't working, and you need to change your approach in order to achieve your goal.” – Anthony Robbins
Frustration does not even cover what I am feeling now. I am angry and frustrated. Why? I have been a type 1 diabetic for over 40 years. I was angry when I first was diagnosed but was told I had to accept the disease and stop being angry. Yet, 40 years later, I am still angry.
I have not been very good at controlling my diabetes. I am somewhat careful about what I eat; however, cheat much of the time. Many of my friends know that I have food issues and get upset when someone “messes with my food.” I don’t like to cook, so I often opt for Door Dash or fast food. Neither one is a healthy choice.
My sugars have always been erratic. Two years ago, my doctor suggested a Dexcom6. A Dexcom is a sensor attached to my waist or abdomen and checks my blood sugar every 5 minutes, then sends the results to my phone and doctor’s office. I wasn’t too happy about having a sensor attached to me 24/7, but I have found it very helpful in knowing what my sugars are and what I need to do to keep them under better control. Even though I wear a Dexcom, my sugars have been erratic in recent months. It doesn’t matter what I eat or what I do; the numbers range from very low to very high in a very short time.
What I am doing now is not working!
Last week I met with my Diabetic Case Manager and was told that I needed to use an insulin pump. To be very honest, I DON’T WANT ONE. There are many reasons for not wanting one. I am perfectly happy taking my insulin shots. Once again, I feel that I will have to change my life. I will need to stay on my diabetic diet, exercise regularly, and consciously decide to make better choices. Actually, doing those things is much easier said than done.
Needless to say, I am frustrated. I want this disease just to go away. I know that is a very childish statement, but it is what I am feeling. I have shared this issue with my friends, who are ok with my anger and frustration. I know that they are going to be a support for me! I am very thankful for them.
The above quote notes that frustration is a positive thing and that we are moving towards a solution. I believe that I need to take this new “mindset” and start taking better care of myself. One of my friends reminded me that I am loved and that she wants me around for a while. That was an encouraging affirmation.
What are you frustrated with? Take time to acknowledge it, journal about it, and talk to those close to you.
I have found some coping skills to help me with frustration:
1) Recognize that you’re not alone
2) Don’t treat the feeling as if it’s set in stone
3) Work on developing patience when frustration is present
4) Contact a friend or relative who doesn’t mind listening to you “unload.”
For more information, read this blog https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/turning-straw-gold/201909/5-things-try-when-you-re-frustrated
I encourage you to pay attention to what you feel and work through the hard stuff.
