Just don't care...

[Skidball]

Hello, Today got my blood test results.  I quit smoking , cut down on my drinking , no pop. Went to church . 6 months straight . Now my a1c is 6.7 from the satins they gave me.  I'm so tired and depressed of even trying anymore. What's the point of even going forward. I just don't see the point of all of it anymore. 

[johnsk]

You have lots going for you. Maybe some therapy?  Get out there, make new friends, here or elsewhere, and love your life. We all have ups and downs. Might be an organic problem. Depression is often a chemical imbalance, and medication can control it and make a big improvement in your life.

 

Good luck, do not give up.

[OhRedhead]

Chronic health issues can be difficult to adjust to. Results from lifestyle changes take time, but rest assured that what you have already done has made a HUGE impact on your health (quitting smoking, drinking less and cutting out soda). You are definitely making progress. Be proud of yourself. Those things are hard.

If you feel hopeless (about this or anything else), however, I agree with johnsk that getting professional help is in order.

[spike]

Good advice from johnsk and OhRedhead. 

Hope you can feel some emotional benefit from the fact that your efforts have, at minimum, a positive effect on other areas of your health. And as a little unsolicited advice: get a little exercise. Even walking can make a difference.

[spike]

Skidball, just occurred to me - what kind of diet are you on? Even with the upgrades you've made, it's hard to improve A1C with a shitty diet. As much as you can stomach (no pun intended, again) cut out extra sugars, salt, refined flour, and junk masquerading as food, providing empty calories. I'm pretty sure this is common knowledge, but if you switch to fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean protein***, as well as staying hydrated (with plenty of water), and add some exercise, then your A1C has to come down. Even a few upgrades in diet will help.

*** For example: dark/blak beans, dry-roasted unsalted nuts (walnuts and almonds are best), Omega-3 fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, etc.) to name a few. 

Not only will your sugar level go down, your spanko level will improve. (I switched to this kind of diet a long time ago and my spanko level went from good to outstanding).

[nicoleS39]

On 3/1/2023 at 8:20 AM, OhRedhead said:

Chronic health issues can be difficult to adjust to. Results from lifestyle changes take time, but rest assured that what you have already done has made a HUGE impact on your health (quitting smoking, drinking less and cutting out soda). You are definitely making progress. Be proud of yourself. Those things are hard.

If you feel hopeless (about this or anything else), however, I agree with johnsk that getting professional help is in order.

Certainly...I echo these thoughts. Lifestyle changes are often slow in yielding results....but it is certain they will not have impact if you now stop moving in that direction. And...it "could" be the diabetes issue, in which case you might ask your doc about a revised strategy with regard to the statins. But....you are making progress...even if you are discouraged. My personal experience in regularly attending church is...it is for me the way to learn more about living in an active God relationship with God...mere "attendance" is not really the goal, at least for me. Engaging with others who are accepting and supportive, as well as you bringing your support into others in a church....is healing...at least it has been for me. I started doing "church" as a slut and convict out of prison, but I was shocked they started to open their arms of care, and let me be a part of their lives...but it does take time to develop the mutual trust of one another. But...even though you are now dealing with the diabetes concern...you are experiencing healing in several areas that you identified as harmful to you....6 months is a great measure of progress.

The consideration of competent counsel or professional aid is also worthy of consideration. While I was on probation, my therapist was a big part of the entire healing process I went thru..and now...15 years late I am still a work in process. I read in a post that you lost one dear to you in the past. I dunno...maybe a professional can help you walk thru some unresolved grief that is still there...I dunno. 

I also echo spike and his mention of a healthy diet. I know that moving to a healthy diet, perhaps even beyond the good start you have already made...will hasten the demonstrative results in your quest. For me, a healthy exercise and eating lifestyle...all in...has been such a life change game changer. 

Sorry if my words only serve to overwhelm you. I just want to encourage you to not give up...a break will come and a better day may lie just around the corner. A wise prison chaplain told me these same words often while I was in prison....and other folks in my life after my release echoed those words to me when I was discouraged.

May God bless you....

[Skidball]

Thank you everyone. I've been going to the gym and watching my carbs. One day at a time.

[Scorrect]

Whew!!!!! Glad to hear from you. Please do keep sharing with us. Re-read the above, if you start slipping further into despair and hopelessness.  There are some good folks here who really DO care and understand. 

Don’t know if you’re prone to SAD (seasonal affective disorder).  I used to get it every winter until I moved south to a sunny area. Regardless, one day at a time is the best motto! Keep up the great work.

[dmirk]

Don’t blame yourself when you go off track.  Just get back on track. 

You can do this and I’m confident you will.