Diabetes Counselling and Other Chronic Illnesses

What are your concerns?

It may come as no surprise to you that being diagnosed with a chronic illness like diabetes is a life-changing event. However, you may not be aware that research indicates a diagnosis of chronic illness can cause greater stress to a person than that experienced with the death of a close family member.

For those newly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), the lifestyle changes they must face involve adherence to rigid eating times which may influence work/school routines; greater caution when involved in sporting/social activities and of course, repeated administration of medication such as injections/pump therapy and those annoying BGL checks. Similar adjustments are experienced by those diagnosed with other types of chronic illness such as asthma, kidney disease, cancer and chronic pain. Learning to live with any condition involves a myriad of emotions and however you look at it, these adjustments can be overwhelming!

The emotional experiences that will accompany these changes to your life will depend on your coping skills and your attitude toward the illness. Newly diagnosed people, as well as those with long term diagnoses commonly report denial, sadness, a sense of hopelessness and anxiety about their diabetes/condition. These feelings can also be experienced by the diagnosed person's family and friends.

According to research carried out for SANE Australia, the risk of developing a mental health issue such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders is more than double in people with a chronic illness like diabetes.

Whether you are an individual with a chronic illness/diabetes or you are their carer or friend, exploring and talking about how you cope with change is the start of your journey to good management.

This insight allows you to feel more in control and relaxed about the chronic illness/diabetes, which will foster acceptance.

Acceptance of yourself is the key to living healthy and happy.

What can RIWS offer?

Information and debriefing about your diagnosis.

Information and referral to other health professionals where required

ASSESSMENT of

  1. Your beliefs about your diagnosis
  2. How your diagnosis and the medical treatment you receive impacts on your emotional wellbeing
  3. The coping mechanisms you use

COUNSELLING and an OPPORTUNITY to

  1. Explore your beliefs and acceptance of you diagnosis
  2. Examine the coping mechanisms you use (positive and negative)
  3. Explore further coping mechanisms to assist with your adjustment
  4. Explore the impact of the diagnosis on your family and friends
  5. Discuss how to communicate with others about your diagnosis and how they can help
  6. Where appropriate, explore the impact of your diagnosis on your plans to have a family and the preparation involved

RIWS is also available for professional associations and organisations to gain an understanding of the psychological and emotional impact of chronic illness and how to support people struggling in this situation