CBT for Diabetes Type 1 & 2
Being diagnosed with diabetes is difficult to come to terms with as it can be a complex condition to learn to live with. Whilst there are many types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 are the most common in UK adults. With all forms of diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood which can cause physical complications for the sufferer.
As with all long-term health issues, it’s important to treat the physical symptoms, but it’s also vital to take care of the emotional challenges that diabetes can bring. Stress, anger, guilt and despair are all emotions that a person who has a diagnosis of diabetes may experience.
How CBT can help minimise the emotional stress of diabetes
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based verbal therapy designed to help people with diabetes to identify and explore their feelings and give them the tools to reduce anxiety to better cope with their diagnosis.
CBT requires individuals to examine their thoughts, feelings and emotions in relation to their diabetes. They may have concerns about their future, or how the illness is affecting their relationships or career. A qualified CBT therapist can guide their client to recognise their negative thought patterns and become aware of the emotions and reactions these unconstructive thoughts can cause.
Once any unhelpful thought patterns are identified, the person can then begin to challenge them and ask themselves if their current way of thinking is a constructive way to help them to cope with their condition. It’s at this stage the therapist and client can explore the ways to change these thoughts and replace them with a more balanced and realistic approach to their diabetes.
Speak with a trained counsellor
At Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Interventions we have proven experience in analysing and evaluating our clients individual needs to help them cope with a diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Jamie Dempsey is a qualified and accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychologies (BABCP), who specialises in anxiety, trauma and the emotional issues that often follow the diagnosis of a long-term health condition such as diabetes.
