Mental Health & Type 1 Diabetes: When "Everyday Life" Feels Like A Lot

Farah Williams
3 days ago
3 min read

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The content shared on Farah’s T1D Life reflects my personal experiences living with Type 1 Diabetes. It is intended for informational and community purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider for guidance about your own health, treatment, or any medical questions you may have.

There are moments when I’m just trying to enjoy a coffee, check my messages, or take a quiet breath — and yet, diabetes is still there. Even in the calmest parts of my day, I’m checking numbers, making decisions, staying alert. And honestly? That constant mental load can be exhausting.

For me, the hardest part isn’t the finger pokes or doctor appointments — it’s the fact that diabetes follows me into every moment of my day. I can’t drive, eat, sleep, work, or even relax without thinking, “What’s my blood sugar doing?” It’s like having another full-time job that I never applied for, can’t quit, and don’t get a vacation from.

And when you add normal life on top of that — work, relationships, stress, responsibilities — it can feel overwhelming in a way that’s hard to explain.

The Exhaustion No One Sees

There are days I am just… tired. Not sleepy. Diabetes tired.

Tired of thinking
Tired of planning
Tired of making 100 small decisions before noon
Tired of pretending I’m fine because I “look” fine

Sometimes, I just want to pull away from everything and everyone and have one moment where I don’t have to manage anything. I want to relax without calculating the cost of that relaxation.

Diabetes is work — even when nothing is “wrong.”

And yet… the guilt shows up.

“Why am I so drained?”
“Other people function fine — what’s wrong with me?”
“I should be able to handle this.”

But the truth? Diabetes is work.

Why It Feels Like Too Much Sometimes

Here’s what people don’t realize about diabetes and mental health:

You never get a day off
One “bad number” can ruin your mood
Lows can be scary
Highs can make you angry or depressed
You’re constantly adjusting, reacting, and problem-solving
Burnout isn’t a possibility — it’s a guarantee if you don’t protect your energy

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. I’ve found a few things that support me on the hard days — and maybe they’ll help you too.

When I Know I’m Struggling

For me, I notice I’m mentally overwhelmed when:

I avoid checking my blood sugar
I can’t focus on one thing
I don’t want to talk to anyone
Every task feels like “too much”
When I forget to dose insulin before eating

What Helps Me

Here are a few things that help me (even when I don’t want to do anything):

1️⃣ Giving myself grace: Numbers are data, not moral scores.

2️⃣ Taking real breaks: Rest without apology is still productive.

3️⃣ Talking to someone who gets it: Validation is healing.

4️⃣ Remembering I’m human first, diabetic second: Diabetes isn’t my entire identity.

If You’ve Ever Felt Like “I’m Just Tired of This”

Same, and it doesn’t mean you’re lazy or weak. It means you’re carrying something heavy — every single day. Needing rest isn’t failure. Pulling away doesn’t mean you don’t care. Wanting a break doesn’t make you ungrateful. It makes you human.

💙 A Final Thought

Diabetes demands so much of us — physically, mentally, emotionally. It's important to understand, your mental health matters just as much as your A1C. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to feel overwhelmed. You are allowed to take care of yourself. On the days it all feels like too much…you’re still doing better than you think. 💙

✨ If this resonated with you, I’d love for you to share, comment, or follow along. No one should have to navigate diabetes alone.