Our mental health is intrinsically linked with our physical health; when we have a change in one domain, we experience a shift in the other. Getting a diagnosis of diabetes can result in a range of emotions, especially around the time of diagnosis. How we cope during this time, and the steps we take to care for ourselves, have an impact on how we manage the condition over the long term.
The emotional impact of a diagnosis
Multiple studies have shown that a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes often has a negative impact on our mental health. This is compounded if someone was diagnosed in a traumatic way, for example, after being hospitalized. The impact of a diagnosis goes beyond the individual. Studies of parents whose children are diagnosed with diabetes show that they experience significant increases in anxiety.
Additionally, our social circumstances play a large role in our emotions after an initial diagnosis. For example, someone living on a tight budget may experience distress related to thinking about how they will afford to manage the condition. If we are unable to find ways to cope, this can result in serious mental illness. Studies of newly diagnosed adults with diabetes have shown that a diagnosis itself is correlated with a range of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
Diabetes distress
We can have a range of emotional experiences when we receive a diagnosis of diabetes, such as anger, sadness, worry or shame. Over the years, we have come to understand that people who live with diabetes can experience a unique emotional response called diabetes distress. Diabetes distress occurs when we are overwhelmed with aspects of our diabetes management. For example, we may feel unable to properly manage the condition, or that we are not understood.
Diabetes distress often occurs when we are first diagnosed with diabetes. Many people feel overwhelmed, which may lead to fractured diabetes management. This can be linked to increased diabetes complications, causing further distress. If we experience diabetes distress after a new diagnosis, it is especially important that we reach out for support.
Coping mentally and physically
A new diagnosis can be overwhelming, but we can find ways to make diabetes management more within our control. If you are feeling overwhelmed with a new diagnosis, some of the following suggestions may help you cope in a more supportive manner.
Get connected to a range of professionals to support you
Throughout Canada there are Diabetes Education Programs, which are free. These programs include diabetes educators such as nurses, dietitians, social workers and other healthcare workers who work to support individuals and families holistically. Diabetes Education Programs can help you with your medications, assist you with making informed diet choices and connect you with mental health support. Unfortunately, individuals are often not informed of these programs at the time of diagnosis. If you feel you would benefit from a Diabetes Education Program, speak to your primary healthcare team for a referral.
Get support for families with a child under 18 recently diagnosed with diabetes
There are specialized pediatric diabetes programs focused on supporting children and teens living with diabetes. There are also a number of social support programs, such as diabetes camps (often called D-Camps), for children and their families that support managing difficult emotions. These specialized summer camps allow children living with type 1 diabetes to meet others similar to them and gain independence in managing their diabetes as they age. For more information on D-Camps and other supports for children and families, visit Diabetes Canada’s website.
Engage in mental health support such as therapy
It is just as important to care for our mental health as our physical health after a diagnosis. Therapy can help people navigate complex emotions, process any trauma that may have occurred related to a diagnosis and live a healthier life.
Remember that physical exercise is its own form of therapy!
There is a wealth of research that demonstrates that engaging regularly in any form of exercise has positive impacts on our mental health. Individuals living with diabetes who exercise regularly not only manage their diabetes more effectively, they also have improved self-esteem and mental health.
For the first few months after a diabetes diagnosis, it is normal to feel scared and overwhelmed as you adjust to managing a new health condition. However, if you are finding that coping is very difficult, or you may be experiencing diabetes distress, it’s important to seek support to help you manage with more success. Coping with a new diagnosis can be hard, but with the right supports in place you can improve both your physical and mental health.
