Fear and Diabetic Children

Having a family member diagnosed with diabetes can be terrifying, especially if the person is your child. You are faced with the disease every minute of the day. Everything your child does can affect his health, whether it is from diet, exercise, and even a basic illness. Worries about side affects, and even if your child will wake up in the morning can be mind-controlling. You will always have to deal with this disease, but it is important to learn how to control these fears and allow your child to live his life normally.

When you first hear that diagnosis, it will take extreme control to keep from breaking down. Yes, it is okay for your child to see your true feelings, but they need to be the controlled version. Save the hysterical version - the cleansing version - for when you are alone. You will be bouncing between fear and anger during this time. You need to be able to learn all you can from the medical personal handling your child's care, so put the hysterics on the back burner until you are alone.

Usually, your child may be very ill when they are diagnosed, and it is important to take care of your health during the child's hospital stay. Share the time with your spouse or another family member, so that you are able to stay rested and mentally alert. Take breaks to sleep and eat. You need to be fully functional when you finally go home with your child.

Thoughts will flood your mind - how will you be able to help your child, how will you be able to stand causing pain to your child, even though you know that there is no choice? In the beginning, as you learn more about the care needed and the complications possible, the fear will increase. What if you make a mistake with the medications? What if your child develops complications, no matter how hard you try to do things correctly? What if your child dies???

One way to gain control over your fears is to learn, learn, learn. If your child is having to spend time in the hospital, use this time to learn as much as you can. Knowledge is power! Use this time to talk to the doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and even a psychologist. The more you can learn, the more you will be able to control your fear.

The next big hurdle is your first night home. It is somewhat like taking the new baby home, but unfortunately, not as joyous. At the hospital, you had nurses and doctors to back you up and to be there for you. Now, it is all on your shoulders. Every day is a life and death issue, yet you will soon stop thinking so extremely.

Remember how you would go into the baby's room during the night, just to make sure the baby is breathing? You will definitely do the same thing while your child is sleeping, for fear of them slipping into a coma. If it makes you feel better, have your child sleep in the same room with you for the first night. It will help both of you.

You may also find yourself watching your child for any little sign that something is wrong. You will be able to tell that your child is adjusting to this new lifestyle when they start to show annoyance over your hovering! The sooner you are able to relax and not play helicopter parent, the faster your lives will become "normal".

Even though you practiced giving injections in the hospital, you may find that you will become all thumbs at home. You will be concerned about whether you are doing everything correctly, but you have to have faith in yourself, and know when to call for help. If your hospital offers next day home care, where they come to watch you giving your child an injection and check your child's vitals, make sure that you take advantage of this service. It is very comforting and gives you a little bit of that support that you had while your child was in the hospital.

What is surprising is how quickly things will get easier almost immediately. You child will continue to feel better each day. You will gain more confidence with your skills. Yet you need to be prepared for setbacks: allergic reactions, inability to get a blood sample, or extreme highs and lows are just a few. Having to deal with your child's tears is very difficult. Remember that crying together is okay. Your child will learn that it is okay to be sad, and will be more willing to open up to you about their concerns.

Helping your child adjust to this life-changing event will be challenging. It is important to not let your fears keep you from helping your child.

The fear of possible complications can become very controlling. Yes, it is important for you and your child to know of possible complications. But this will help your child realize the importance of controlling your child's diabetes. You will also have to rethink normal activities. You know have to make sure your child gets physical exercise each day, yet you also have to make sure that you monitor your child in extreme sports, such as soccer and football.

School and other activities, such as vacations, sleepovers, and even bad weather situations need to be planned for. Again, communication and planning are the best weapons against fear of complications.

The sooner you make the precautions you and your child have to take to do normal activities, the sooner you will be one more step to controlling your fear. Don't be afraid of calling your doctor or nurse if you have questions or concerns. They would rather you called to be sure of whatever is worrying you than to do nothing.

The fear will always be there, but it will be less noticeable as time goes by. Every so often something may happen to bring it to the surface, but if you stay proactive and continue to study and look for ways to do things better and easier, the fear will stay in the background. This will allow your life and your child's life to become more normal.