Mental health plays an important role in living well with Type 1 diabetes, yet it is often overlooked. The ongoing stress of managing Type 1 for the individuals living with the disease and their caregivers can be taxing on a person's mental health and well-being. I have personally experienced caregiver fatigue & burnout more times than I can count over the past 16 years since my daughter's diagnosis at the age of 2. Managing Type 1 is a constant, 24-hour responsibility you never get a break from. There is a tremendous need for mental health support for both the T1D individual and caregivers, and often times this support is hard to come by. 

One thing I wish I could go back and tell my frazzled, unsure, and frightened Type 1 caregiver self from 16 years ago would be to make sure you have a team of support people in your corner. I was encouraged to find those people at the time, but I was so overwhelmed by the responsibility of the disease now impacting our day-to-day lives that I did not prioritize the need to find those supports. I wish I had. My mental health suffered. I became stressed out, anxiety-filled, and afraid for my daughter's well-being. This went on for a very long time. So many sleepless nights, so much worry about my daughter's safety. Much of the worry I endured was beyond my control. I was doing the best I could at the time, and that was enough. Eventually, I did find a counsellor for myself and my daughter to help us unpack the weight of the diagnosis and everything it entailed. It was the best decision to date for managing the T1D roller coaster ride.

Type 1 is not something you need to carry alone. Although I did carry it alone, for many years, I realize now supports were available for me. Unfortunately, I was too much of a martyr to ask for help early on, or I didn't know what kind of help I really needed at the time.

My advice to you is to get those mental health caregivers and supports in place even if it doesn't feel as though you need it now. Talking to someone about the stress you may feel as a result of being a T1D caregiver will likely make a world of difference. You can thank me later. 

Sending you so much strength. You've got this.

A.

(T1D mom)