Emotional health – Children and adolescents living with diabates
25% of young people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes aged 13-19 years reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms.
23% of young people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes aged 13-19 years reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. There was a trend for higher anxiety scores among girls and among older youth.
Girls reported greater diabetes distress than boys (according to the Problem Areas in Diabetes Teen (PAID-T) scale [13]. This scale measures the perceived emotional burden of living with diabetes.
Parents of children living with diabetes
The top 3 problem areas for parents of children who have diabetes were:
- worrying about the future and the possibility of their child developing serious complications
- feeling that they act like the ‘diabetes police’
- feeling upset when their child’s diabetes management isn’t going to plan
The above facts are a summary of some of the findings of the Diabetes Miles Youth Study – 2014 Survey Report. This study was the first large scale, national survey of young Australians living with type 1 diabetes (and their parents). It was conducted by the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD). The full results of their study are outlined in the Diabetes MILES Youth Study 2014 Survey Report.
Resources
The following resource may be helpful:
Moving on up… A guide for young adults with diabetes booklet
‘Moving on up’ is a guide for young adults with diabetes. This NDSS resource contains information about moving on:
- to an adult diabetes service
- to work, university or TAFE
- to four wheels (driving)
- out of home
- with life
- with a new diabetes care team
Helplines
Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service mainly for young people aged between 5 and 25 years old.
Youthbeyondblue (1300 22 4636)
Youthbeyondblue aims to help young people aged between 12-25 years old understand and look after their mental health. It also aims to empower them, their friends and those who care for them to respond to depression and anxiety.
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds.