Reframing motivation without fueling burnout
The Truth Behind a Popular Phrase
In the world of diabetes, motivational phrases are everywhere. One of the most common?
“I’m not going to let diabetes stop me.”
It’s powerful, right? It sounds strong, capable, and defiant. And for many, it feels like the only option.
But at Pineapple Therapy, where we specialize in diabetes mental health counselling in Edmonton, we often hear from clients who feel trapped by this kind of mindset. They want to be resilient—but they’re also exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn when “pushing through” just isn’t working anymore.
Why This Phrase Can Backfire
We get it. Nobody wants diabetes to interfere with their life. The intent behind “I’m not going to let diabetes stop me” comes from a good place.
But here’s the problem: it can lead to all-or-nothing thinking.
It sets up an expectation that:
- You always have to be strong
- You’re not allowed to slow down
- Rest is a sign of weakness
- Needing support means you’ve failed
Living with diabetes—Type 1 or Type 2—is already a full-time job. Between blood sugar monitoring, insulin adjustments, food tracking, exercise, stress management, and medical appointments, your plate is full. Add on a layer of internal pressure to “not let it stop you,” and you’re heading straight toward burnout.
Understanding All-or-Nothing Thinking
All-or-nothing thinking shows up in thoughts like:
- “If I skip my workout, I’m lazy.”
- “If I go low during a meeting, I’ve failed.”
- “If I need help, I’m not strong enough.”
This kind of thinking leaves no room for flexibility, rest, or the reality of living with a chronic condition. It creates guilt when you slow down and shame when your body needs something different.
At Pineapple Therapy, our Edmonton-based therapists help clients explore these patterns and reframe them in ways that are empowering, not exhausting.
A Better Way to Say It
Let’s try a reframe.
Instead of saying:
“I’m not going to let diabetes stop me.”
Try:
“I will continue to do the things that are important to me—and I will give myself permission to slow down when diabetes requires it.”
This shift acknowledges your drive and your humanity. It allows you to live fully with diabetes—not in a fight against it.
Rest Is Part of the Plan
Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you’re weak if you need to rest. It means you’re listening to your body. Rest isn’t a failure—it’s a strategy.
Rest might look like:
- Saying no to social plans after a hard diabetes day
- Postponing a workout when your blood sugar is low
- Letting someone else cook dinner because you’re wiped
- Taking a mental health day when diabetes burnout hits
In therapy, we remind clients: Rest is not a deviation from progress—it’s part of sustainable self-care.
For Parents: Reframing the Message for Your Child
If you’re a parent of a child or teen with diabetes, you might say things like:
“Don’t let diabetes stop you.”
These messages are meant to empower—but they can also unintentionally pressure your child to push past their needs.
Instead, try:
- “It’s okay to slow down when your body needs it.”
- “Resting doesn’t mean you’re falling behind.”
- “You don’t have to do this alone.”
At Pineapple Therapy, we offer parent coaching and counselling to help you support your child’s emotional well-being alongside their medical care.
Let’s Redefine Strength
You are already strong.
But strength doesn’t always look like doing it all. Sometimes it looks like:
- Cancelling plans to care for yourself
- Asking for help when you’re overwhelmed
- Taking breaks before you burn out
- Saying: “This is hard—and I still deserve care.”
You don’t have to pretend diabetes isn’t hard. You just need support that helps you navigate it with compassion and flexibility.
Counselling for Diabetes in Edmonton
At Pineapple Therapy, we offer:
- Individual counselling for adults and teens
- Parent coaching for families navigating childhood diabetes
- Virtual and in-person appointments across Alberta and Canada
- Specialized support for chronic illness, grief, and burnout
Our team of therapists in Edmonton understands the emotional impact of diabetes because it’s what we do every day. You don’t have to explain the basics—we’re already on the same page.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck in all-or-nothing thinking about your diabetes, it might be time to talk to someone. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about supporting you to live with more ease, flexibility, and confidence.
You are not a failure for needing rest. You are human—and your needs matter.
