How to cope after the diagnosis
When my child was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I returned to Jakarta -- after she was medivaced to Singapore -- an emotional and physical wreck.
My previous world was to be replaced with insulin injections, counting carbohydrate portions, blood tests several times a day, and ordering products that were foreign to me.
Additionally, there was a concern that there was no local endocrinologist at my regular medical clinic (SOS) in Jakarta.
The first three days were very intense. The emotional turmoil, limited sleep and exhaustion, overwhelming. On day five, I found my inner strength and felt confident enough in my diabetic knowledge to return home.
It was important for me to understand this disease because I was now Aspen's daily nurse. I was responsible for giving her injections and monitoring her food intake. I also had to educate the staff at her school about diabetic care and management.
I was also forced to let go of the belief that parents can always protect their children. I cannot "fix" my child's diabetes; this disease will not go away. Insulin dependency is for life. A child cannot grow out of Type-1 Diabetes and until a cure is found, my daughter's life depends on daily insulin injections.
To help me cope, I found it important to identify exactly what I was afraid of, what was bothering me, causing me stress and why. I analyzed my experiences and let them flow through words into a journal. Writing is a powerful tool that helps lighten the symptoms and provides release.
Second, if you have feelings of urgency about the complexity of diabetes, it helps to get correct information from a diabetic educator.
My mother suggested on day one, "Take your questions and concerns to your diabetic team. Do not listen to people who do not know about diabetes." This is so true; factual information has reduced moments of anxiety and helped to clearly identify my fears.
Third, a regular counseling session at your local diabetic center is also very helpful. Talking with a professional, who knows about the issues a parent encounters and affirms you are doing a great job, provides the reassurance you need to hear.
Support groups provide a great sense of comfort. If there isn't one in your local area, why not start one? Even if you meet for lunch once a month with parents going through similar experiences, the results will be positive.
Fifth, have a regular half or whole day just for you to relax and help recharge the batteries. A walk in the park (Rangunan Zoo is a suitable mid-week alternative), reading a book in a quiet place, or going to a movie can be therapeutic.
Additionally, take up meditation or join a yoga class and learn how to calm yourself, any time you feel the need. By practicing relaxation techniques regularly you find the process becomes automatic and it becomes easier to attain peace of mind when times get really tough.
Sixth, laughter is a good healer. Watching a funny movie or TV program can make you smile and feel much better.
On a final note, I am now aware of the fragility of life and how precious it is. One important affirmation I discovered was in M. Scott Peck's The Road Less Traveled: "Life is difficult, and when we accept that it is, it (the difficulty) no longer matters".
I continue to meet the challenges and I am enjoying watching my child evolve from the responsibility, self-discipline and maturity required to take care of her own diabetes. As I hug my daughter, I believe with all my heart in the gift that diabetes has brought into my life.
-- Stephanie Brookes