Why We Should Stop Describing T1D as a Second Job

Every time I give a presentation to people with T1D or health care providers, I start by talking about all the reasons why living with T1D is so stressful. I tell them about the constant work, the complex thinking involved, and the fact that there are no breaks and no vacations from T1D.

I describe T1D as having a second job.

This is a great story, and it captures some of the challenges of living with T1D. But I've realized that talking about T1D as a second job is the wrong way to characterize it. It makes life with T1D feel hopeless. Comparing T1D to a second job sets an expectation that you will always be stressed and that T1D has control over your life.

In this episode, Dr. Mark points out some downsides of talking about T1D like a job. Yes, T1D is going to be stressful at times. But Dr. Mark explains why talking about T1D as a job traps you into believing that diabetes must involve constant work and stress.

Then Dr. Mark suggests some other ways to think about T1D that are more realistic and better set you up for mental success.

Find out more about The Diabetes Psychologist at www.thediabetespsychologist.com and on Instagram @thediabetespsychologist.