Guilt, Shame and T1D

This is Episode 5 of a 6-part series talking about how to overcome the biggest mental health challenges of living with T1D.

In this episode, we talk about how T1D can fuel guilt and shame with Christina Burbelo. Christina was diagnosed with T1D a little over 15 years ago. And in the years since, she has struggled with guilt and shame because of T1D. She has found that writing and the online diabetes community have helped her through the ups and downs of living with T1D.

So many people with T1D experience guilt and shame. You may feel guilty because you are not doing everything you are ‘supposed’ to be doing to manage diabetes. You may feel shame because you’re having a hard time dealing with the stress of T1D, and you think you ‘shouldn’t’ be feeling this way. Guilt and shame are an added burden to the everyday challenges of living with type 1 diabetes.

Christina tells us about how her guilt and shame about T1D sparked her burn out, led to her being admitted to the ICU for DKA. She talks about how being more open about her struggles and the power of community have led her to a healthier place, both mentally and physically.

You can find Christina on Instagram @stainedinblue and @stina.burbelo.

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