Diabetes Online Community #DOCBurnout2015 - Let's All Behave!

I'm very new to the DOC (Diabetes Online Community).  In fact, until March of 2014 I didn't realize it existed!  I knew if I used Google I could find plenty of information about things like pumps and CGMs.  Other than that, I knew bupkis.

Thanks to Diabetes Daily, I'm participating in the first ever Diabetes Online Community Burnout (#DOCburnout2015) Experience

I jumped into the DOC after the first Diabetes UnConference and started blogging (all be it sporadically).  I read a ton of other blogs and am I member of several Facebook communities related to diabetes.  I don't do a lot of posting or reading on the great site TuDiabetes because I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed there.  I plan to get more involved because there are so many good people using that site.

One thing we all need to keep in mind is that behind every computer keyboard there is a human being with feelings.  If you read, contribute to sites, blog, or do anything else in the DOC you need to remember that.  Always.

I think that cyber bullying is one main reason we can and do burnout.  It's not necessary nor it is nice acceptable.

Use some restraint if you feel a question has been asked "a zillion times" and give a helpful answer (or skip over that post if it bothers you that much). That question is new to that person!  They may be confused or frightened.  I've personally been too upset to do "a search" for an answer and thankfully people responded to me positively.

Use some restraint if you disagree with someone's diet, exercise program, choice of medical devices (or not using them), testing routine etc.  Each of us deals with our diabetes in different ways.  What works for me may not work for you.  As we often always say, "Your diabetes may vary."  If someone says that they found something that helps them, how about saying "good job" or some other encouraging words?  If their ideas don't appeal to you keep your criticism to yourself and move on.

Remember, cinnamon does not cure diabetes.  Don't post or forward incorrect medical information.    If you see someone else doing so, notify the site administrator so that it can be removed.  The spread of erroneous information hurts us all.

If you are being bullied, walk away.  A bully loves your anger or fear and they will feed on that forever.  You will never, ever win a cyber fight with a bully.  Ignoring them makes them fade away.  It can be hard but take a deep breath and move on.  If you have been personally attacked, contact the site's administration to report the person and their content.

The DOC is a very important part of our lives.  Reaching out with questions, successes, failures, and ideas is helpful to all.  I personally found the "me too" factor beyond words.  How very comforting to know I'm we're not alone.  We should be, at a minimum, courteous to those who are on this ride with us.