4. Mental Wellbeing

Diabetes doesn’t just impact you physically - it’s something you have to think about every single day. People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population.

In this episode Jack Woodfield from Diabetes UK is joined by Kayleigh Steel and Dr Amrit Sachar to discuss mental wellbeing.

Kayleigh lives in Stafford and works in HR. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes the day before her 23rd birthday. She shares how her diagnosis has impacted her mental wellbeing and why she’s found it difficult to get the right support from her healthcare team.

Amrit is a liaison psychiatry consultant at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and West London NHS Trust. Her clinical work has centred around the mental health aspects of diabetes.

Trigger warning. Some of the topics covered in this episode include disordered eating, anxiety and depression, which may be upsetting.

If you are affected by the topics discussed then you can call our helpline team on 0345 123 2399, or email us at helpline@diabetes.org.uk

You can also visit our website to learn more about living with diabetes at diabetes.org.uk

• Diabetes and mental wellbeing advice www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/emotions
• Our online forum https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/
• Diabetes and disordered eating www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/emotions/eating-disorders-and-diabetes
• DESMOND (Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed) - a diabetes education course www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/education

You can also learn more about support and services for mental health as well as disordered eating:

• Mind www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/
• Samaritans www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
• Rethink Mental Illness www.rethink.org
• Beat www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

The views and opinions of the guests are their personal stories and may not reflect the views or advice of Diabetes UK. The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s important you always speak with your healthcare team for specific medical advice.

Presenter - Jack Woodfield

Produced by Diabetes UK and Ultimate Content

If you’d like to give feedback on this episode or would like to be a future guest on the podcast, please contact us at content@diabetes.org.uk

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