Sometimes it is helpful to talk to other people who understand what it is like to live with diabetes or be a parent of a child with type 1 diabetes.  

When seeking emotional support, it depends on the type of support you need and what is available in your area. 

You can receive support either face to face or through an online service. 

Here are some options you may want to explore: 

• Speak to your GP about how you are feeling. Your GP will be able to help with what service may be best for you. This may include the development of a Mental Health Care Plan and a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist.   
• Speak to your school. Some schools have a wellbeing officer who can provide support particularly if you need to discuss matters related to school
• Local community health service may be able to provide counselling 
• Better Health Channel - mental health services for children and young people 
• Partners in Wellbeing Program - phone support for over 16 years of age and face to face support for under 16 years of age 
  
• The Raising Children Network is also a place to find information on children of primary school age, including fact sheets and downloadable toolkits on child development, behavioural problems and other health issues
• Parentline on 13 22 89
• Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
  
• Head to Health - If you/or someone you know is needing emotional support, Head to Health can help you find the best mental health support for you
• 13YARN - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support 

Family Therapy and Diabetes 

We understand that Diabetes management can be a bit tough at times for young people and their families, where the day-to-day stresses can lead to disagreements or arguments, whether it's to do with taking insulin, blood glucose checks or diet. This may create difficulties in continuing to encourage your child with these things, perhaps feeling like you're not getting any where or the young person feeling like they want to avoid it all together.

The Diabetes Social Work team are currently providing family work sessions for young people with Diabetes and their families, who are experiencing such tension/conflict which is impacting their Diabetes management. Family work sessions could include:

• Working on communication between family members.
• Being able to negotiate on responsibilities/tasks.
• Understanding each other's perspectives; whether recognising their needs, being able to express difficulties safely and building on strengths.

If you are interested, please click for more information or speak with your DNE or doctor. You can also contact the RCH Diabetes office on 9345 6661 or diabetes@rch.org.au and a Social Worker will get back to you.

Diabetes Victoria Camps 

Diabetes Victoria run camps throughout the year for young people of all ages. 

Diabetes Victoria Camps 

Online support for young people 

eHeadspace

eHeadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends.

MindShift (App)

Free app designed to help adolescences and young adults cope with anxiety and shift their thinking. Offers a range of strategies to manage excessive worries, stress, anxiety and panic. Also offers mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

SmilingMind (App)

Free app that offers mindfulness and meditation exercises for young people 7 years and older. Australian designed app to help de-stress and stay calm, a range of different programs for different age groups.

Headspace (App)

Free app that offers meditation exercises to help people de-stress and switch off from current stressors and anxieties. There is also a Headspace for Kids app, that is more appropriate for young people under 12 years of age.

Livewire 

Livewire is an online community connecting teens living with illness/disability and their siblings. 

JDRF Australia

JDRF has developed a support program that  provides practical advice and help for people who have been affected by a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. 

Diabetes Victoria

Diabetes Victoria has  information for people affected by type 1 diabetes.

Chronic illness peer support program at The Royal Children’s Hospital (ChIPS)

This program is run for young people age from 12-25. The focus is to connect with other young people who get what it’s like to live with a chronic illness.

Please see the website for further information and if you would like to be part of this program please talk to the diabetes allied health team.

Other useful websites

Diabetes Kids and Teens   -  learn and play games and additional child and teenage friendly ways of discussing type 1.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/