Last night I attended the first Adult Outreach event for my other local JDRF chapter. (As opposed to the chapter that started Adult Outreach last year.) We gathered in a cozy private room of a wonderful restaurant and introduced ourselves. I talked a tiny bit about my involvement in the DOC and how I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but that there is something magic about spending time in the same room with a group of other PWDs too. We also talked about what things we’d like from our new Adult Outreach group. Some wanted purely social functions like last night’s dinner. Others wanted informational sessions about cure research and ways to advocate. I said I wanted it all, and suggested that a talk about the emotional side of diabetes - perhaps lead by a professional - might be beneficial since I feel this area is greatly overlooked.
On the ride home last night, and as I gathered my thoughts this morning, the thing that stands out to me most is that we are all different with different needs. I’d be lost without my DOC, while others aren’t interested in on-line activities. Some want support groups full of members just like them (in age range and type of diabetes) while others want varied groups that can discuss different experiences and opinions. Some want social settings while others like presentations. And that’s okay!! If you find a group that isn’t quite right for you, it’s okay to move on and find a better fit - or start your ideal group yourself. Poke around online until you find the connections you are looking for. We all need different things, and over time the things we need often change and grow.
For me, personally, I need as much support as I can find and I love interacting on-line and off-line. What kind of support works best for you?
I agree with you about the lack of resources for the emotional side of living with diabetes--that's a great point. I also think we need to help people develop individual plans for living a healthy lifestyle--from meal planning and cooking to exercise programs that will actually be done (and not filed away). There is no perfect one size fits all plan. Most of us just trudge forward with trial and error until we find something that works. But the most important thing is to do something. I always say...something is better than nothing.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Karen! At times like this I wish I didn't live in such a remote area. The local groups just aren't my thing but there aren't other options. I know I could try to start my own but there are only so many people around here! I would love IRL connections with other PWD but in the meantime I have the DOC which is a lifesaver!
ReplyDeleteIt makes me so sad that you are having such a hard time with IRL support. Maybe I need to just move closer to you!! ;)
DeleteI need a large range of support and it often varies depending upon what's going on in my personal life. I am extremely lucky to have a solid team of support at the diabetes centre that I am apart of. I have a dietician, counsellor and nurse educator all working with me. They are a huge support and are there for me whenever I need them. They also know exactly when to step back and let me take the reigns again! Without them, I never would have accomplished what I have in such a short time. The DOC has also been a huge resource for me. It's real people with real day to day D issues and that was the only key I was lacking in the clinical supports I already had!
ReplyDeleteThanks DOC!!
As always, a poignant, wise, and very human post. I love it!
ReplyDeleteLike Alison, I like/need/prefer a large range of support. Some days, I crave the DOC and those kinds of global interactions. Some days, I just want Chris to give me a hug. Other days, I'm oscillating in between the two, or just plain wanting to hide under the bed.
ReplyDeleteThe DOC has been the biggest thing I didn't know I was missing, and I'm grateful for it. I'm also grateful that it's there when I need it, and it can be quieted when I need quiet, just by shutting the computer off. Best of both worlds, you know? :)
(Also, how's K.C.? Less gassy? ;) )
I have been type 1 for 66 years, but did not join any online support groups until 2006. I communicated with adults and learned many new things, and my control improved. Online friends convinced me to write a book about my life with diabetes. It was published in 2010. Then I joined Facebook, and became a member of many diabetes groups. Some of the groups are for parents of diabetic kids. I feel at home there. The parents are inspired to see a type 1 diabetic who has lived so long without any serious complications. It gives them hope for their children.
ReplyDeleteI want it ALL!
ReplyDeleteAs a person that makes her own insulin I often find I need support form every different venue available. Sometimes I want to vent, cry, and laugh with other parents of cwd. Sometimes I want to hear how D has affected a pwd. Sometimes I want a physical hug - other times cyber hugs will do. I want every perspective I can get LADA, Type 2, Type 1 - everything. I want knowledge, experience and understanding. My life has improved a bazzillion fold since finding the DOC, starting my blog, interacting with other bloggers, scheduling D meet-ups with both parents of cwd and pwd. Support is key to better control. That is all.