Looking after your diabetes can sometimes feel like a full-time job. Over time this can take its toll on your emotional health. It’s normal to feel stressed sometimes but prolonged or intense stress is not healthy. In a recent Australian survey, 28% of people with type 1 diabetes and up to 22% of people with type 2 diabetes reported experiences severe diabetes-related distress.

It’s important to take care of yourself. Follow these four tips to feel good and help get yourself back on track.

1. Talk to someone

The saying is true – ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’. Connect with someone and talk about how you’re feeling – it could be a friend, family member or a health professional. Alternatively, look online for a support group or call us on 1300 342 238.

2. Do something you enjoy

When we get busy and stressed, it’s easy to stop making time for the things we enjoy.  Take some time out and do something you enjoy.  It could be as simple as putting your feet up with a cup of tea and a good book.  Alternatively you could catch with a friend, plan a date with your significant other, get a massage, spend some time gardening or go see a movie – anything that makes you feel good.

3. Focus on the present

We often feel stressed over something that happened in the past (e.g. eating a ‘bad’ food or forgetting a medication) or worry about the future (e.g. developing complications or potential impact of diabetes on work, money or relationships).  Try to focus on the present – praise yourself for the things you have done well and focus on the things you can change here and now.

4. Take care of yourself

Make sure you are getting a good night sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating well – it will go a long way to making you feel better.  Exercise also helps relax your muscles and releases feel-good hormones, which can help boost your mood.