We’ve come a long way in normalising discussions about diabetes and mental health – but we can do more.
Diabetes and mental health
A few years ago, talking about mental health felt like doing something daring. Doesn’t that seem ridiculous now? But we weren’t as open when it came to talking about things like mental health, and it felt like a topic that needed to be cracked open so we could let in the light and recognise that it’s something we all deal with.
Now, we have a whole list of resources that can help:
- Diabetes and mental health: a video
- Diabetes and depression
- What is diabetes burnout?
- Diabetes distress and burnout: what to do next?
- Dealing with diabetes burnout
- How to help during diabetes burnout
- How to reframe high and low blood glucose for better mental health
- Mental health support group for young adults with diabetes
- How to get your medical aid to cover a psychologist
A monthly Diabetes & Mental Health Club
It felt like there was something missing, though. And I felt it most strongly any time we did a Facebook Live, and connected so immediately and directly with the community. There is a thirst for connection, when it comes to issues around mental health. Even if the topic of the Live was something different, inevitably we circled back around to it – because it’s such a huge part of our lives with diabetes.
So I asked our community if they’d be interested in a monthly Diabetes & Mental Health Club, and the responses were overwhelmingly positive.
All kinds of people saying, “Yes please!” and a few more specific comments that speak to exactly what we need to do here:
To debrief the struggles we face as people living with diabetes.
Kekeletso
It would help a lot for people having mental issues with the diagnosis, to help them realise that there is life after diagnosis.
Sharon
100% because then maybe people who is going through the same thing as me could give advice without judgement.
Kulthum
Figuring out the details
Can I tell you when I realised it was time to hold these monthly meet-ups? The last time we held a Facebook Live. It was so special: you could feel the relief in the (virtual) room of people being given space to talk about how it really feels to live with diabetes. No judgement, no expectation, just a space to hang out with other people who know what it feels like.
So now it’s time to figure out the details!
- Should it just be people living with diabetes, or should we invite experts to join us?
- We’ll meet once a month, should it be on Facebook or Instagram? (I’m tempted to say Facebook…)
- Are there any specific topics we need to discuss?
What do you think?
Please comment below, or on Facebook or Instagram to help us co-create our Diabetes & Mental Health Club! Let’s normalise living with diabetes and dealing with depression, anxiety and diabetes burnout. We’re all in this together.
Discover more from South Africans with Diabetes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I think its a fantastic idea!! I’ve been Type 1 for 43 years and am finding it more difficult than ever. The worry about my future health, old age, finances etc really gets me spiralling into a black hole and sends me into a depression. I have researched depression support groups with SADAG but if we can have a group that covers mental health coupled with diabetes, it would be awesome. Experts or specialist speakers from time to time would be nice but I think the main focus should be on interacting and talking to one another. I’m not on Instagram and don’t want it so would appreciate if we could use Facebook rather, although I don’t know how a live chat on fb works. Will have to figure that out. But just a thought why not use a platform like Zoom? Thank you.
Terrific feedback, thank you Sandra! Facebook seems like the right place because anyone can join just by visiting the page (lots of people forget about Zoom calls because they’re not on email). And yes, I agree that interacting and talking to one another is the most important. Watch this space!