Diabetes burnout is a state of emotional and physical exhaustion that occurs when someone with diabetes feels overwhelmed by the demands of managing their condition. It can lead to feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and helplessness, as well as a lack of motivation to manage diabetes effectively. Burnout can affect anyone with diabetes, including those who have had the condition for a long time, those who have just been diagnosed, and those who care for someone with diabetes.
The causes of diabetes burnout are complex and varied. Some people with diabetes may experience burnout due to the constant demands of managing the condition. The demands of diabetes are time-consuming and require significant lifestyle changes. Others may feel burnt out due to the fear of complications or the social stigma associated with diabetes. Additionally, people with diabetes may experience burnout due to the perceived lack of support from healthcare providers, family, and friends.
Diabetes burnout can have a significant impact on someone’s life, both in the short and long term. In the short term, burnout can lead to a lack of motivation to manage diabetes effectively, which can result in high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of complications. Burnout can also affect mental health, leading to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
In the long term, diabetes burnout can lead to a decline in overall health and an increased risk of complications. People who experience burnout may be less likely to adhere to their diabetes management plan, leading to poor blood sugar control and an increased risk of developing complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Burnout can also lead to a decreased quality of life and an increased risk of premature death.
Signs of diabetic burn out can look like:
Lacking motivation to complete diabetic care tasks as well as other activates of daily living like getting dressed, showering, combing your hair, etc.
Experiencing a general feeling of overwhelm by the demands of life.
Having trouble following your treatment plans.
Avoiding diabetic care tasks all together.
Experiencing a sense of hopelessness as well as helplessness.
Feeling angry with your diabetes.
Depression and anxiety.
Self isolation and avoiding social interaction.
Neglecting self care.
If you or someone you know is experiencing diabetes burnout, it’s essential to seek support and treatment. Below are several strategies that can help manage burnout:
Seeking support is the first step. That can look like sharing with a member of your health care team what you are feeling.
Setting goals for yourself. Maintaining realistic and attainable goals is a foundational set into reducing your feelings of burnout. The tool that I use to help guide my own goals is called SMART Goals. SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, RELEVANT, and TIME BOUND.
Adjusting your diabetic care plan. Healthcare requires active participation from all team members. After disclosing to your care team about your symptoms of diabetes burn out you can begin discussing any changes that may need to be made.
Practicing self care is important for everyone. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Self care can look like many things. Exercising, prioritizing sleep, going to therapy, etc. Finding activities that bring you joy have the ability to positively affect ones mood.
Find meaning in life outside of diabetes. You are more than diabetes. Unfortunately, it can feel like diabetes takes over our lives as it involves many tasks and takes up a plethora of mental space. Finding a middle ground with diabetes is important. Diabetes requires a lot of self management however you do not have to let diabetes take over your mental space. Overcoming burnout does not happen over night. Bringing focus on to a hobby and/or routine can help to reduce the internal burden of diabetic burnout.
If you are experiencing, signs of diabetic burnout please call your medical provider for assistance. Ignoring burnout symptoms can lead to serious consequences. Some of these are: insomnia, depression, anxiety, new health conditions, and pain. The National Mental Health Hotline is 1-800-487-4889.
References:
Home | ADA. (2019). Diabetes.org. http://diabetes.org
Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist. (2019). Psychology Today. http://psychologytoday.com
SAMHSA. (2022, May 14). National Helpline | SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
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