Family members are the closest people to those with diabetes. Besides learning self-management, people with diabetes often need the support, companionship and care of their families. Therefore, maintaining a good relationship with family members is also very important.
First, people with diabetes should learn self-management. Self-management includes not only blood glucose monitoring, health and exercise management, but also emotional management. Try to keep an optimistic attitude, face the disease positively and be mentally prepared. Do not let your emotions fluctuate too much, such as extreme joy, sorrow or anger. When you have negative emotions, do not shift them onto your family or lose your temper. This will greatly hurt their feelings and make them worry about your health. The right thing to do is to go to your room alone and calm down quietly. Only when your emotions have settled should you face your family.
Second, learn to communicate and open up. You can talk with your family gently. If you have things weighing on your mind, you can share them with your family. Express your true feelings and the problems you are facing honestly to gain their understanding and support. When you need help from your family, or need their support with your diet, you can tell them frankly.
Then, learn to say “thank you” and “sorry”. For things you feel sorry about, be sure to apologize to your family in person, and ask what they hope you will do to improve the relationship. For the support and care your family gives you, always show your gratitude in a timely manner and say “thank you”. Being thankful is not only for Thanksgiving Day.
Finally, when you want some time alone, you can think more about nice things and things that make you feel lucky. You can develop a habit of keeping a diary or journal, and write down the things that make you feel happy. If you keep this up for a while, you will have a thick record of happiness and gain a strong sense of well-being.