How can I emotionally support my husband now that he has type 2 diabetes?
February 5th, 2010 | by The Doc |
missy asked:
My husband just found out a week ago about his diabetes, and is now in the denial/anger phase. He’s so angry that he takes it out on me and his family. When we try to discuss it with him, he deflects his anger onto us. When I ask him about being angry because of the diabetes, he says he is not angry about that. But he is being very rude, mean, and just general anger toward his family,I can only assume he is in denial about his condition. How should I support him when he is clearly in denial?
My husband just found out a week ago about his diabetes, and is now in the denial/anger phase. He’s so angry that he takes it out on me and his family. When we try to discuss it with him, he deflects his anger onto us. When I ask him about being angry because of the diabetes, he says he is not angry about that. But he is being very rude, mean, and just general anger toward his family,I can only assume he is in denial about his condition. How should I support him when he is clearly in denial?
4 Responses to “How can I emotionally support my husband now that he has type 2 diabetes?”
By jellybean on Feb 8, 2010 | Reply
I was kinda like that at first. My hubby and 2 boys, where very good during my upset moments. Its a lot to deal with at first. Let him know when he’s being mean.Sometimes we don’t know we are being like that. If your are having trouble telling him, make a sign and hold it up each time he gets up set and make funny faces at him. I can’t stay mad at anyone that does that. good luck
By andi! on Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
I have diabetes type one and i know that is fare like the type one, but you shouldn’t worry, diabetes is not a bed thing, think of it like a new and healthier way of living. all will stay the same, just don’t feed him with sugar lol
By suzanne_una on Feb 12, 2010 | Reply
Try to be understanding and learn all you can about the disease. It will take time for him to start accepting this diagnosis. I would totally suggest you (and him if he is willing) join a social networking site called. It is a place where you can get support from others who like you, live with a diabetic. It will help your husband in that he will see he is not alone out there with this disease. Members are great about answering questions and being supportive.
Hang in there! It is tough dealing with a loved one who is angry over a diagnosis like this. If he continues to behave this way and not be willing to learn more about the disease then you will have to set some firm boundaries with him. It is not OK that you and the family are taking the brunt of his anger. It’s understandable since he just found out but it cannot go on for too long, it is not fair to you and the family.
By Tin S on Feb 13, 2010 | Reply
Missy, read my lips: DIVORCE ! Joking!
Anger and frustration can be common reactions when someone has a chronic disease like diabetes. It is a lot to cope with, and at times it may really be upsetting to have to deal with diabetes day after day for a lifetime. Plus, physiologically, when someone’s blood sugar fluctuates, spikes or drops, it can produce feelings like anger, anxiety, or depression that are really out of the control of the person experiencing them. It may be easy for spouses to overlook or make excuses for angry reactions because of these reasons. However, anger that escalates into physical, verbal, or emotional abuse is not a normal reaction.
Every person has a right to get angry sometimes. But if that anger is expressed violently, to hurt or scare a partner, then it becomes domestic abuse. Abuse can be actual physical contact, like hitting, slapping, pushing, or otherwise inflicting bodily harm, but it can also be threatening, making a spouse feel intimidated or scared. If you are in a relationship that is abusive, it is important to tell someone that you trust: a friend, counselor, social worker, or your healthcare provider. Abusive relationships are often isolated ones, where the abused spouse lives in secrecy and fear. Telling others breaks the silence, and enables the abused partner to more easily seek help.
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