People often find that diabetes affects more than their physical health. They might also find that living with diabetes affects them emotionally, socially and psychologically. Problems relating to their diabetes might cause them difficulties, or oher problems in their life might start to affect their diabetes management.
For example:
- They may feel confused or frightened by the changes to their lifestyle;
- They may feel alone or isolated;
- They may experience fear, anxiety and panic;
- The things they now have to do to manage on a day to day basis may overwhelm them;
- They may experience guilt, anger, sadness, loss, despair and depression;
- They may have concerns about their weight and eating patterns;
- They may experience problems in their relationships;
- They may become physically and emotionally exhausted.
Family members and close friends may also experience some of these feelings
If you or someone you know has diabetes and you are experiencing some of these feelings, or there are problems that are becoming difficult for you, it may be helpful to talk with someone.
This could be:
- A friend or family member;
- Your doctor or diabetes specialist;
- A diabetes educator, psychologist or social worker attached to your diabetes centre or clinic;
- A private counsellor.
- You may choose to use this website's e-mail counselling service. This may meet your needs or it may lead you to seeking longer-term help from a face- to- face service.
Whatever you choose, it is best to talk with someone about the problems, rather than try to keep on managing alone. It is sometimes hard living on a daily basis with diabetes. Counselling aims to help you to take control of the problems you might have, and make changes to have more wellbeing and happiness in your life.
Results from member's survey October 2006!
Diabetes Counselling Online Survey results October 2006 - (356KB PDF)
