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:
Family Therapy and Diabetes
We understand that Diabetes management can be 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 food related struggles. 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.
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 and email diabetes@rch.org.au and a Social Worker will get back to you. This service is not currently available but we are seeking interest from patients who attend The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Diabetes Clinic.
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Diabetes Victoria Camps
Diabetes Victoria run camps throughout the year for young people of all ages.
Diabetes Victoria Camps
Online support for young people
Online mental health supports
LifeoneD
Webpage/app developed by Diabetes Australia (NSW) talking about all things related to living with diabetes including being active, food, driving, drugs, working, alcohol, smoking.
https://app.lifeoned.com.au/dl/da19fa
DigiBete
DigiBete is a video platform to share videos and resources on type 1 diabetes. It is an initiative developed in the UK.
Kids Helpline
Phone or online support for ages 5-25, parents and schools
Webchat counselling to chat online with a Kids Helpline counsellor
Phone number 1800 551800
eHeadspace and Headspace app
eHeadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends.
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.
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.
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/