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Get support for type 1 diabetes

Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is not easy. It can take time to adjust to and it can affect how you feel.

Friends and family can help

Telling people you have diabetes can be hard, but it will help them understand what you're going through.

Friends, family and colleagues can give you support and encouragement when you have just been diagnosed or you're struggling to manage it.

Speak to others with type 1 diabetes

There are many people with type 1 diabetes offering support and sharing their stories on forums, social media and in group meetings.

You do not have to talk to others in online groups, but it can be helpful to look.

Diabetes.ie has more information on support groups and events where you can get to know others with type 1 diabetes.

Important

Comments on social media are often based on personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice. Always check with your diabetes team before changing how you manage your diabetes.

Get psychological help

Managing type 1 diabetes can be hard. Constantly trying to manage your diabetes can lead to a feeling of 'burn out'.

If you're feeling low and struggling to cope, you may be able to get psychological help.

If there is not a psychologist on your diabetes team, you might be able to get support locally. It can help you cope with the challenges of living with a condition.

You can ask your GP what's available or you might be able to refer yourself.

If you have a medical card you can get free counselling sessions from the HSE's Counselling in Primary Care service (CIPC). Talk to your GP for more information.

Online resources

You can complete a free online stress control course. This may help you boost your well-being and learn skills to manage stress, anxiety and depression. Free online stress control courses - stresscontrol.org

Minding your wellbeing is a HSE video based mental wellbeing programme. It is for people to learn more about mindfulness, gratitude, self-care and resilience.

More mental health support and advice

Page last reviewed: 1 August 2020
Next review due: 1 August 2023

This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 9.