Fear | Shame and guilt | The statement “I am not like everyone else”
The diagnosis changes not only the way of life, but also changes the attitude towards life in general. The initial period is difficult for adults, but when it comes to children, the psychological side of the issue becomes much more complicated. Let’s take a closer look at what psychological problems a child is diagnosed with diabetes.
Parents are in a panic and the child is scared and this is all due to an insufficiently thorough approach to psychological aspects by doctors. If your endocrinologist provides moral support and helps to cope with the situation, and even better, there is a professional psychologist in your clinic, then you are lucky.
But, most often, all responsibility lies with parents who themselves are in shock and are not always able to find the right words to help their child cope with the burden that fell on his shoulders.
Fear
Of course, the first reaction is fear. A child may not understand what diabetes is but know that he is sick and this greatly threatens his health. It is important here to explain in great detail what it is and what changes will happen in his life. Tell that the implementation of certain rules will help to avoid complications and make it clear what cannot be done. But in no case should you use fear as a motivating tactic.
Shame and guilt
In addition to fear, your child may also feel guilty. The main thing is that he understands that he is not to blame for the onset of diabetes. After all, children often take the blame for what is happening, not understanding the real reasons (this applies to all areas of life from personal issues to parental relationships).
There is, of course, the opposite situation, when a child blames everyone around and parents in the first place. And only hard work in building relationships and learning the basics of diabetes will help here. You can seek the help of other people your children trust. For example, ask your grandparents / doctor / schoolteacher to talk with your child and try to explain something. Then independently continue the work begun and restore relations with the child.
Also, a constant fear of acting adds a sense of shame to peers and provokes the child into secrecy. After all, a child can remain active, like other children, but with some precautions. And here it is important for parents to explain to their child that he is no different from others, just his body is now arranged so that you need to control your condition. Try to build the most trusting relationships with your children. This is important because in dealing with peers it is very difficult for them.
Do not get into the habit of scolding your child if they forget to do something: he did not measure sugar or ate something extra. Everything needs to be explained and this should be done as detailed as possible, so that you can understand what the mistake was and at the same time not feel guilty of all mortal sins, closing yourself deeper into yourself in response.
The statement “I am not like everyone else”
Well, of course, to make it easier for your child to adapt to a new life, and it will benefit you, try to ensure communication with the same 1-types as he is. Attend diabetes gatherings, send your child to summer camps and let them participate in various competitive programs for children with diabetes. This will help draw an interesting experience, make new friends and, most importantly, understand your child that he is not alone.
Of course, these are just general recommendations. Each child is unique. The main thing is for both parents and children to understand that diabetes changes only the approach to lifestyle and does not limit the possibilities. No one is to blame for the development of diabetes. And also remember that there is nothing shameful in diabetes. Misunderstanding on the part of others, alas, will be encountered not only in childhood, and it is very important that your child has reliable support — relationships with you and friends with the same diagnosis with whom they can share their experiences.