Defence Mechanisms

Sigmund Freud developed psychosexual theory to understand anxiety types.  Here is the short video illustrating some of the defence mechanisms we may face in our lives.

Do you disagree or Argue?

During any discussion it is common to have our side of the story and others too have their stories to illustrate any point of view.  When we engage in a discussion, and some of the points you may agree with.  It is perfectly fine to disagree, after all it is your point of view.  However, does it mean you argue to over power other person and thrust your opinion on him? or simply agree but not argue?

Lets understand our point of view:

• Information we want to convey to other person, including the values, merits and demerits
• Environment or ecosystem in which this transaction is taking place.  This brings in the context required to analyse the information we would like to convey
• Here comes our judgmental interpretation or bias about the strengths of our point of view
• This is complemented by our believes, which others may or may not agree or have credence with other's believes.
• Finally, the methodology of implementing our point of view is conveyed.  

Need to agree and discuss further, 

• first define the need for agreement - this is an important step to understand the big picture of the issue on hand.  
• understand the people involved in the discussion, their believes, level of understanding of the discussion point.
• analyse the approach to find an agreement, illustrate the benefits, timeline and sense of ownership among the parties involved.  
• importantly, illustrate collective benefit to self, organization, group etc.
• finally, be polite in putting your discussion point across to others.

Diabetes and Stress

Stress, whether physical stress or mental stress, has been proven to instigate changes in blood sugar levels, which for people with diabetes can be problematic.

While stress can affect diabetes control, both directly and indirectly, it can also be caused by various diabetic factors such as being diagnosed with diabetes, adjusting to a diabetes treatment regimen, or dealing with psycho-social pressures of the disease.

When we become stressed,  the body quickly responds by releasing hormones that give cells access to stored energy - fat and glucose - to help the body get away from danger. This instinctive physiological response to perceived threats is known as the "fight-freeze, or flight" response.

Over time, both physical and mental stress can wear us down mentally and lead to depression and other mental health issues.

Some of the causes are work pressure, marriage and relationship, parenting, traffic, health conditions, financial insecurity, etc.

One of the reasons for this is that stress hormones such as cortisol increase the amount of sugar in our blood. High levels of cortisol can lead to conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, which is one of the lesser known causes of diabetes.

Constant stress and frustration caused by long term problems with blood glucose regulation can also wear people down and cause them to neglect their diabetes care.

To combat stress take regular exercise, rewind your life with vacations, listen to music (soothing), yoga, meditation, etc.  Especially physical exercises can increase insulin sensitivity, and help lower blood glucose level, as well burn calories. Moving your body through a wide range of motions can also give the mind a rest from the pressures of everyday life. Some people find this relaxing as the mind is preoccupied with exercising rather than worrying about any problems in life.

Key is to prevent stress by planning your life better.  Enhance your relationship by resolving the long lasted conflicts and mending your relationship.  Talk to your doctor or counselor for tips to manage stress better.