Hi my daughter was recently diagnosed with type 1 . 2 months ago I’m starting to notice little mood changes that she never had. So now I’m thinking of ways to get her to talk about it, she will talk about it but I know it’s more she wants to say or feeling she only 11 I know she is scared
Hi Shavon @Sha2018, over time I expect you will see many “mood changes” as your daughter grows and matures, but please don’t “blame” diabetes. Yes, some of what you are seeing could be based on her need to take on a more mature way of thinking; diabetes does cause [some] young people with diabetes [PWD] to mature more quickly than peers who do not need to live with the constant realization of the effects of food, activity and insulin. A positive side-effect is that children with diabetes become better at mathematics; consider calculating in your head food bolus and correction bolus to ascertain insulin dose several times EVERY day.
I would suggest that you talk with other parents of 11 year old girls [I don’t know your history in raising children] and with her teachers and try to separate in your mind what effects diabetes may be playing. You and she can also meet other families living with diabetes through JDRF in your area; to locate a JDRF Chapter and diabetes activities click on the “Events” Tab at the top of this page and then on "JDRF Near You".
Wishing you and your daughter well!
I’m not blaming the diabetes at all I never sayed that I stated she is starting to have mood swings and crying .I know it’s all apart of her accepting the fact her life took a change and she is young. We discuss the issues and she stated counseling but she is not ready she said to talk to anyone she don’t know she is a very smart little girl
Children such as herself can become emotional , sad and depressed
Hi Shavon, being newly diagnosed is VERY scary! And the “mood swings” are very common… the “highs” can make her grumpy, irritable, tired and just make her feel just plain awful. The “lows” can make her feel jittery, confused, hungry, or a great word “hangry” (angry and hungry at the same time). Sometimes putting how she “feels into words” can be difficult, because one moment she can feel perfectly fine and the next completely different… talking with people is even more of a challenge because if they haven’t experienced the physical, emotional, and mental change than literally have no idea what your child is experiencing. Her whole world was changed literally overnight. Being a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic is a roller coasters (being a parent of a type 1 is hard too!!)… when this new emotions arise my advice to you… let them come. Even if she doesn’t have WORDS for them. My daughter was 9 when she was diagnosed (she is now 12) and I swear… blood sugars CAN and DO affects her behavior. If she is too high she is very grumpy/mean to everybody because she does not feel well. When she is really low she is often confused/disoriented or cries because she can not handle the “shakes”… your are doing the right thing by reaching out. Also my last advice, take a few breathes! The first year is the toughest! But you and your child will see how strong you guys are!!!
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Shavon,
My daughter is newly diagnosed as well and is having wild mood changes. I am sure some of it is dealing with with everything and some of it blood sugar highs and lows. Rights now we are working with the counselor at school and an individual therapist as well.
We live in the Atlanta metronome area if you want to connect, we are looking for other friends with a type one.
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Before I was officially diagnosed (in my 50s) I was EXTREMELY irritable. Even now, I have to remember that my blood sugars affect my mood; as do rapid changes in blood sugars. It can be exhausting for both child AND parent. If your children have CGMs it may be a bit easier to predict. Even so, just being “different” is scary and can be depressing, especially for a “tween” who just wants to fit in. Please be patient. Also, I cannot emphasize enough that support groups and “diabetic camps” are wonderful in that they help T1s and their parents understand the life changes that are going on. Best of luck. It isn’t easy.
Hi @Sha2018. It’s a bit early but your daughter is at the age where kids attend summer camp. I was diagnosed at age 3 (I’m 58 now) and went to diabetes camp when I was a pre-teen. I was the only diabetic kid I knew, so it was fun to go to camp and spend time with kids just like me. My mom may also have enjoyed having a break from daily diabetes care while knowing her child was in good, professional hands. I went for a few summers, and each year we learned about managing diabetes in way appropriate for our age and maturity level. If you’re interested - or think she might be - this would be a good time to start doing research on diabetes camp in or near your area.
Agree 100% with a Camp experience. I was diagnosed at 11 and soo wished camps were back in late 60s. Many available
My daughter was diagnosed a little over a year ago at age 9. She went through the “mood swings” for roughly 5-6 months after diagnosis. It’s quite a lot for a young child to process and deal with their “new normal” very quickly. They’re forced to grow up and be more responsible SO fast in order to survive. So it’s only natural they’ll be very upset at times. Everyone is different, but what worked for my daughter is this: I listened whenever she needed to vent. I gave the best advice I could knowing that I couldn’t possibly imagine what she was going through inside. I frequently asked her if she wanted to talk with a professional since I might not be able to help her myself. We did take her to a psychologist once but she didn’t get anything out of it. She has told me that I’m the one who makes her feel better when she’s sad, which really touches my heart. She still has ups and downs, but much less frequently. Bottom line, be supportive and listen, but certainly look out for behavior that may indicate a professional is needed. I feel for you and your daughter. I hope this helps in some way.
Hey, I am a 12 year old with T1D to so if you sent me her snapchat, I would be happy to talk about the subject with her! It always helps to have someone to connect with!