#1073 Italian Holiday

Anxiety Sources

The challenges of managing type 1 diabetes can significantly contribute to anxiety, as Ann Marie shares her experiences with Scott Benner. She explains how the unpredictability of her son's condition initially heightened her anxiety, especially as a perfectionist who struggled with things not going as planned 1. Ann Marie's journey through anxiety also reveals trust issues stemming from childhood experiences, which further complicated her ability to manage stress 2.

I used to get so upset for every spike, and now it's just like, I know that we're going to get it down. We have the resources to get it down.

--- Ann Marie

Through therapy and understanding, she has learned to manage her expectations and anxiety better, finding reassurance in the resources available to her.

   

Coping Mechanisms

Ann Marie discusses the coping mechanisms she employs to manage anxiety, particularly through therapy and medication. She highlights the importance of being on the same page with her spouse, especially during stressful situations like traveling with children 3. Therapy has been a crucial tool for Ann Marie, allowing her to communicate better with her husband and prepare for challenges together.

I was going to therapy, I think, every week at that point, but I think what really helped, too, and some advice that I could maybe give other people that are thinking about taking their kids overseas, is to just be on the same page with your spouse.

--- Ann Marie

Additionally, she recounts the difficulties faced during hospital visits, where support from family was limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, emphasizing the need for mental resilience and support systems 4.