A support system is the most valuable piece of medicine when it comes to dealing with a chronic disease or illness. It keeps us somewhat sane to know that we have someone there to listen to us when we need it. We crave normalcy wanting to not deal with symptoms and side effects from our day-to-day lives with this challenge. We may just be starting our journey of life with a complicated medical condition or a seasoned veteran who has dealt with this for years. Either way, support is needed no matter the time.
I was diagnosed with type one diabetes in March of 2001, almost twenty-two years ago. I was six years old and had no clue what diabetes meant. When I was taken to Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Washington I spent three days being taken care of by a team of doctors, nurses and other diabetes specialists. After a few days, I was released to head back home and go about my life, but with some extra responsibilities in my backpack. When I got home diabetes was a new part of my life that I was unwilling to process well. There were tears, meltdowns and screams. My six-year-old self was not wanting to deal with insulin shots, and blood glucose checks and not be able to have a sweet tooth like the rest of my friends and have what they wanted. I felt so out of place and more alone as a kid. Starting to ease back into things with a completely new routine I figured out people didn’t look at me differently, they still saw the same Katelyn. I started to learn I had a support system that measured quality over quantity.
As the years have gone on, I’ve had my family, friends, and now a boyfriend who have become part of my support system. They listen to me when I am having off days with my diabetes, they understand when I feel like I am struggling and hear me out. The thing that is most helpful for someone who deals with a chronic disease or illness is knowing that they can speak up, knowing that it’s okay to not be okay that day and express it. You’re not seen as complaining your seen as dealing with life’s challenges the best that you can.
If you’re needing that support system, seek your friends, family and loved ones. They will understand, they will listen and they will always be there when you need them. Your support system could be small or large, but it is the quality of it that matters most. I will always be thankful I have who I do in my corner and no matter what I need they are there to help In any way possible. Whatever your going through, illness or not be there for one another, we all have our battles we are facing day in and day out. For my group of, thanks for your support.