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Specialist Online Support for Your Wellbeing and Mental Health with a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
Type II diabetes is one of the most common long term physical health problems.
Studies from 2019 estimate that nearly 5 million people in the UK may have diabetes & the majority of these are Type II (Type I accounts for only around approximately 10% of diagnoses).
Although we may not immediately think of Mental Health when thinking about diabetes care, there is a well-accepted link with depression & anxiety.
Our emotional wellbeing impacts all aspects of daily life, directly affecting how we handle stress & the choices that we make; so it's not difficult to see how depression & anxiety could make it harder to stick to a diabetes care plan.
An untreated mental health problem can contribute to a worsening in diabetes, & this in turn can exacerbate the mental health problem - a vicious cycle is formed.
In 2020/21 I was involved in a study which looked at whether or not Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), & in particular Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), could be helpful in supporting people with a diagnosis of Type II diabetes who were also experiencing depression/anxiety.
The good news is that these kinds of therapies are extremely effective at helping people into recovery from their depression &/or anxiety.
Diabetes Distress is a very common & very natural reaction to managing diabetes over the long term; it occurs when the individual feels overwhelmed & even frustrated by the daily management of the condition.
According to Diabetes UK, 1 in 4 people with Type I diabetes along with 1 in 5 people with Type II diabetes experience Diabetes Distress - left untreated this can lead to Diabetes Burnout.
But the good news is that CBT can help you to feel empowered to take control of your life!
If what I am saying strikes a chord with you, then drop me a line on coswaycbt@pm.me to arrange a chat about how I can help you.
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