Friends in Diabetes
How to Support Someone with diabetes
Often times people with diabetes need extra support and encouragement
to get through their health concerns, and to keep going!
One of the greatest responsibilities we have is to support
ourselves and others in living at our highest and best. Whether
we're parents, partners, friends of people with diabetes,
it's incumbent upon us to help them to live as close to their
normal life as we can.
We must remember that what ever we say or do influences -positively
or negatively-the people we care about. The ideal is to do
this with consideration and intention. Here are ten ways you
can help your near and dear ones with diabetes
Believe in Them
We all have self-doubts from time to time.This can be especially
true in chronic illnesses like diabetes,where sometimes even
the best care may not be enough.This some times shakes their
confidence in living a normal life and sticking to diabetes
care. They may lack the faith in their efforts to follow their
care plan or its efficacy.Having someone believe in them and
letting them know it at these times is priceless.
Encourage Them
Sincere encouragement can go a long way in helping someone
stay the course. The more specific you are, the better the
results. "I remember how you stuck to your diet and exercise
shedule last year and lost those extra pounds. I'm willing
to bet that you can do even better ."
Expect a Lot
When it comes to helping others operate at their best, we
sometimes have to up-level our expectations. This can be taken
to extremes, but there are many times when a teacher, a parent
or even a boss has required more of us than we thought we
were capable. And we've risen to the challenge which enabled
us to see further than before. The same applies to diabetes
care,especially with clidren and teenagers and those who are
still not capable of fully understanding the implications
of being diabetic and the dangers that not caring may cause.
Tell the Truth
Truth is what many diabetics need to be told ,especially
in our country ,where dibetes awareness is extremely low.
Dont hesitate in telling them that even a little of sweet
may be bad for them or they have been ignoring a visit to
their doctor for too long now. You may be the only person
who can or will say to him/her what needs to be said. A fantastic
way of telling the truth is confront without being combative
tell the truth with compassion.
Be a Role Model
One of the best ways we influence is by our own actions.
Who we are speaks much more loudly than what we say. If you
kid or teenager has diabetes encouraging him by first changing
your habits to include more of an healthy diet and excercise.Your
kids are constantly watching you and they're registering everything
about you consciously and unconsciously. We automatically
emulate our role models. And we're ALL role models to someone
so let's be good ones.
Be emphatic
Too often, we miss the value of sharing our experiences.
We don't want to be vulnerable so we hold back. In doing so,
we deprive others of an opportunity to benefit from our struggles,
our learning and our humanity. Wether it is about how you
faught of your laziness to excercise or your cravings for
sweets ,When you share from your own experience-especially
your problems and how you faced them-you increase empathy,
you're more approachable and you increase your relatability
to others.
Challenge Them
We all need to be challenged from time to time. Doing it
for another is an art form. Remind people of their commitment
to being their best and state your challenge. "I challenge
you to avoid alcohol all this week and get on with your diet
plan etc"
Talk to them
Diabetics have their own fears and dissapointments .talking
to them about it helps them open up an see the clear picture
.Dont talk to them as if you are giving a lecture on what
they ought to do.Chances are they have alraedy heard one .Ask
them good questions in order for them to understand themselves
better, to get clear on what the issue is and from there to
make good choices. Asking questions can cause people to think
and come up with solutions. They'll appreciate it.
Praise things well done
You find what you're looking for. If you're looking for the
best in someone, you'll see it. If you're looking for their
failings, you'll see those. Catch people doing things right
and tell them. When we acknowledge the good deeds of others,
they tend to do more of them. Write a note. Send a card. Give
them a call. Praise them in front of others.
Spend Time with Them
We love what we give our time to. By devoting your most precious
resource (time) to another individual, you're showing them
that you truly value them and your relationship with them.This
makes them more responsible towards themselves and feel more
positive about their diabetes. Invest time in your relationships;
it's what life is made of.
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