Common Feelings After a Diagnosis

Hearing you have diabetes can stir up many feelings. Shock can show up first. Feeling stressed, sad or angry can be common for people with diabetes.

Relief can come as well, and that is okay. Feelings are like the weather. They can change from one day to the next. A hard day may be followed by an easier one.

Bindu stands under the sky next to a potted plant. On a hard day, dark clouds named Shock, Fear and Sadness rain down and the plant droops. On an easier day, the clouds clear, the sun comes out next to the word Relief, the plant stands up and Bindu cheers.

If sadness, worry or hopelessness lasts or feels heavy, tell your doctor. Depression can be treated.

If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 in the US. For immediate danger, or outside the US, call your local emergency number.

A set of steps that runs from noticing low mood to calling your doctor, 988 or emergency services.

Key takeaways

• Shock, fear, anger, sadness and relief are all common.
• Feelings can shift from day to day.
• Heavy feelings that last are worth raising with your doctor.

Try it

Name one feeling you had today in a note on your phone. If it stays heavy, plan to mention it at your next visit.