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As A Diabetic Kid It Helps To Talk About Your Feelings

Published:
23-Jan-2005

By Russell Turner

Talking About Your Feelings

Sometimes the hardest thing about having Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes is the new feelings that come up. Trying to figure out how to share them with other people is hard sometimes. Remember, just because it's hard to talk about them doesn't mean it's not worth it. When you share your feelings it helps you when you're feeling good and especially when you're feeling not-so-good. When adults talk about feelings they sometimes use the word "emotions" or they'll say "just get it off your chest". Both mean the same thing. One of the good things about sharing your feelings is it helps you get closer and to know the people you care about better.

Learning To Talk About Your Feelings

It sometimes takes a little practice to talk about your feelings. Like when the doctor told you that you had diabetes it took some practice to do your finger sticks and for some of you, to learn to inject your insulin. The first thing you need to know is what your feelings are. The easy ones to figure out are happy, sad, and mad. It sometimes helps to write them down. Like "when the doctor told me I had diabetes I felt scared" or "when I play with my friends I feel happy". Remember when you talk about your feelings with someone it helps if you tell them why you are "happy" or "scared" or whatever it is you are feeling.

Who Should I Talk To About My Feelings?

I know sometimes it's easier to talk to your friends about your feelings. But being a diabetic kid some of the feelings you may have, your friends might not really understand. Your parents really care about you and they have enough experience with life to almost always help you feel better. They know you better and can sometimes tell when something is bothering you even if you haven't said anything yet. It's important to talk to your friends but it's also important to talk to your folks or another adult. Even though they don't have Juvenile Diabetes they may have experience with a lot of the feelings you are having. Remember when you are trying to decide who you should talk to, keep these things in mind. (Parents, if you are reading this make sure this describes you) Are they easy to talk to? Can you trust them with your feelings? Will they listen? If you really don't think you can talk to your parents there are other adults who can help you. People like your doctor, or teacher, or school counselor. You might talk to your grandparents, aunt or uncle, or your minister.

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How Do I Talk About My Feelings?

Once you decide who you want to talk to about having Juvenile Diabetes or any other problem that may arise from being a diabetic kid or anything else, you need to pick a spot to talk about it. Look for some place quiet where you won't get interrupted or overheard. You will feel more comfortable in a place like this. Then you need to say how you feel. Say something like "Diabetes makes me feel like." or "What I don't understand is." Try to get it out in a few simple sentences. Once in a while what you say may hurt someone's feelings. That's okay if you can say what you mean without being mean. Remember, if all you want is for your parents to listen, it's okay to tell them that.

When Do I Talk About My Feelings?

You need to talk about your feelings when you are worried or upset or sad. Type 1 Diabetes can be hard sometimes with all of the responsibilities that go along with it. Being a diabetic kid or a diabetic teen sometimes makes you feel things at an earlier age than you normally would, Talking about your feelings is a good way to learn about yourself and get help with your problems. Remember that these feelings aren't your fault or anybody's fault. They're just feelings. Like everything else you do practice makes you better. Keep these things in mind and talk to an adult when you need some help to sort out your feelings.