When and How Psychologists Can Support People with Diabetes
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NDSS Helpline 1800 637 700 ndss.com.au When and how psychologists can support people with diabetes Living with diabetes can sometimes feel like a burden. It can feel frustrating and stressful About this fact sheet trying to do all that’s needed to manage your diabetes. At times, you may feel anxious, low Most people with diabetes manage well most of the time. But it’s OK to in mood, or worried. Your emotional health acknowledge if you are struggling. Many is as important as your physical health. If people benefit from specialist emotional diabetes is affecting your well-being, it is support from a psychologist. This fact important to know when and how to seek sheet is about when, why and how to support. We are all better able to deal with access support from a psychologist. our emotions when we have support. If you would like tips for managing your emotional health, visit: ndss.com.au/resources “It really helped me having someone who could provide an outside perspective and challenge my thinking. They helped me discover why I was thinking and behaving the way I was and then gave me ideas and tools to make changes for the better.” Mary, living with type 1 diabetes Find this resource at ndss.com.au Version 1 July 2020. NDSSFS058 Accessing diabetes support from psychologists Who provides emotional support? How do I know if a psychologist If you’re struggling, it can help to be aware of is for me? your feelings and to address problems early. If you tick any of the boxes on this checklist, you There are a range of health professionals who may benefit from talking with a psychologist. can help. Health professionals who specialise Some reasons for consulting in diabetes a psychologist Your GP, endocrinologist or diabetes educator are well placed to offer basic emotional support. feeling overwhelmed or fed up with managing diabetes (e.g. making dietary Talk with them about how you’ve been feeling changes, monitoring, keeping your about your diabetes. Many people feel reassured glucose levels in range) once they’ve had this discussion with their health professional. avoiding diabetes self-care ongoing low mood or anxiety Health professionals who specialise in emotional care feeling dissatisfied with life in general For further support, you may want to talk with a low self-confidence or self-worth psychologist, mental health nurse, social worker having problems with your eating or psychiatrist. having problems with your relationships Psychologists, in particular, are trained to provide or your sex life ongoing support to people with a focus on emotional health, motivation, self-confidence and feeling lonely or isolated, or pulling relationships. away from social or recreational activities Psychologists can support people in making positive changes to their mood or well-being, and going through a major life change or the way they think and feel about their diabetes. a stressful situation (e.g. parenthood, carer responsibilities, work stress, loss of a loved one) living with a mental illness 2 of 5 Accessing diabetes support from psychologists What can I expect from a psychologist? Common concerns Sessions with a psychologist are usually: Q: Do psychologists only see people » face-to-face, but phone and online services with serious emotional health are available, concerns? A: Psychologists support people with a » about an hour long variety of emotional health concerns. You » over several weeks, with many people seeing don’t need to have a serious mental illness their psychologist several times. to benefit from seeing a psychologist. At the first session, the psychologist will: Q: Do psychologists tell people what to do? » ask you to share how you have been feeling lately A: No, psychologists work with you, on your terms. They’ll ask you what your goals » ask what is happening in your life. or values are and help you work towards You can talk about how diabetes is affecting these at your pace. you and what you would like to get out of the session(s). You can talk about anything, Q: Doesn’t talking about difficult not just diabetes. emotions just make people feel worse? During each session, the psychologist will: A: At first, talking about feelings can be » listen without judgement and respect your difficult, but it can also be a relief. Over privacy time, it can help you better understand your strengths and help you find solutions. » help you to reflect on your thoughts and On the other hand, bottling up emotions feelings can make you feel worse in the long run. » suggest some strategies to bring about any changes, if that’s what you want. Q: Is seeing a psychologist sign of (Psychologists suggest strategies that weakness? are based on research evidence.) A: No, it’s a sign of strength and courage. All aspects of your health are important. Over time, support from a psychologist Seeking support means that you’re being can help you to: proactive in looking after your emotional » feel a sense of relief from sharing your and physical health. thoughts and feelings Q: I’ve seen a psychologist before » develop coping or relaxation strategies and it didn’t help, so what’s the point? » develop new habits and behaviours for A: Psychologists vary in the ways in managing your diabetes which they work. People and personalities also vary, so it is important to find a » improve your confidence psychologist who is the right fit for you. » build stronger or better relationships. Don’t let a previous negative experience discourage you from accessing the support you need. 3 of 5 Accessing diabetes support from psychologists How much do psychologists cost? How do I arrange to see a Fees vary based on the setting and service: psychologist? a) In private practice: psychologists set You can contact a psychologist directly or you can their fees based on industry or Medicare be referred to one, usually by your GP. If you are recommendations. You may be eligible to have eligible and want to access Medicare subsidies, your fees partially (or fully) subsidised. For then you would need a GP’s referral letter. example, you may be eligible for a: The referral letter can be made out to a specific » Medicare rebate, if you have a referral from a psychologist (or service) of your choice, or one GP under a: that your GP recommends. Some people prefer to do their own research to find a local psychologist, - Mental Health Care Plan (up to 10 one-to-one who has specific expertise (e.g. in diabetes), or and 10 group sessions per calendar year) has a certain cultural or linguistic background. - Chronic Disease Management plan (up to 5 sessions with allied health professionals (e.g. psychologists) per calendar year) » Private health insurance rebate (check with your fund) » Concessions provided by some psychologists according to people’s financial situation. b) In community-based services: psychologists are able to provide no-cost or low-cost services, as they receive government funding. Contact your community health service, GP or council to find out what low-cost services exist in your local area. Funding for telehealth services “Previously, I had tried to find a suitable person to talk to but was not satisfied For people in rural areas, telehealth either with their focus, their personality services are funded by Medicare. or approach... when I did see the right For people in metro areas, telehealth psychologist, she was a perfect fit.” services with psychologists can also be subsidised through Medicare for the Alex, living with type 1 diabetes duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. 4 of 5 Accessing diabetes support from psychologists Finding a psychologist Resources Some psychologists have specialist NDSS resources about diabetes, knowledge of diabetes. You can find emotional health and peer support: them by asking your diabetes health ndss.com.au/resources professionals for a recommendation or doing your own research: Information about psychologists: psychology.org.au/for-the-public » For a list of psychologists across Australia, visit psychology.org.au/FaP. Check if a psychologist is registered: You can search based on location, ahpra.gov.au interest (e.g. diabetes) and languages Information about getting support: spoken. headtohealth.gov.au/service-providers » You could also search online for local and beyondblue.org.au/get-support/ psychologists with specific interests. who-can-assist It will not always be possible to find a psychologist specialising in diabetes in your area. If this is the case, you could consider: » Telephone or online support from a psychologist outside your local area. » Seeing a psychologist in your area and providing them with information to help in your discussions about how diabetes is affecting you. Information about emotional well-being and diabetes can be downloaded from the NDSS website (ndss.com.au). The NDSS and you A wide range of services and support is available through the NDSS to help you manage your diabetes. This includes information on diabetes management through the NDSS Helpline and website. The products, services and education programs available can help you stay on top of your diabetes. Developed in collaboration with The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, a partnership for better health between Diabetes Victoria and Deakin University. This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice. If you have 5 of 5 any concerns about your health, or further questions, you should contact your health professional..