Power to Prevent - National Diabetes Education Program - National ...

Discussion Points
Say: “Making changes does not always come easily. But with support and motivation, it can
be easier than you think. In past sessions, we’ve talked about some ways to involve
family and friends in healthy eating and physical activity. What are some ways you’ve
involved your family and friends in your lifestyle changes?”
Write responses on a fipchart.
After you have created the list on the fipchart, point out the items that are related to talking,
listening, or helping the person through moods, negative feelings, or stress.
Say: “Today we want to focus more on helping with feelings, stress, and motivation. Many feelings arise
once a person is faced with having to change his or her lifestyle because of an illness. What are some
of the feelings that can come up?”
Note the participants’ responses on a fipchart, making sure that the following points are mentioned:
Denial. Expressions of denial can include not believing that making changes in an unhealthy
lifestyle is important, not believing that diabetes is serious, or not believing that one is at risk of
developing a chronic disease such as diabetes.
Depression. This feeling can show up as a lack of faith in oneself (“I can’t do it!”), fatalism
(“What difference does it make?”), or hopelessness (“Things will never change.”).
Anger. This feeling can show up as anger at oneself (“I can never do it right!”) or at others (“That
stupid doctor!” or “It’s all my husband’s fault.”).
Feeling “stressed out.” This emotion can include feeling unable to handle the events of one’s life
well (“I just am so overwhelmed.”).
Say: “Negative feelings can lead to negative thoughts such as blaming yourself or others. These thoughts in
turn can lead to negative behaviors such as binge eating, or excessive use of alcohol or being unable to
stick with a Power to Prevent program. Getting family and friends involved with lifestyle changes can
be helpful.”
Go over the list of negative feelings on the fipchart one at a time (denial, depression, anger, stress,
and possibly others identifed by the group) and ask the following questions, listing participants’
responses on the fipchart:
Say: “What is this feeling, and how can it affect your lifestyle changes? How could family or friends help
you to move beyond this feeling to something more positive?
Having a support system will help you maintain the changes you are making. Family members and
friends can provide encouragement and praise during the ups and downs of improving eating habits
and increasing physical activity. But remember—we can also do things for ourselves that will help us
to stay positive while we change our behaviors.”
Hand out copies of Appendix Y: Talk Back to Negative Thoughts (one per participant).
NDEP Power to Prevent Session 4