Mental Health Resources For People With Type 1 Diabetes

Topic sensitivity warning: This guide mentions suicide and mental health challenges. Please read it at your own pace and step away if you need to. If you’re struggling or worried about someone, help is available 24/7. In the U.S., call or text 988. Outside the U.S., use the crisis lines listed at the end of this article or visit findahelpline.com now.

Studies show those with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face a unique risk for developing depression, anxiety, diabetes distress, burnout or eating disorders like diabulimia as a result of living with the disease. Recognizing these signs can be difficult because people living with it often seem so “normal” and are good at hiding the burden.

It doesn’t mean it’s invisible or unfelt. It just means the person with T1D isn’t letting it control their entire life, and those around them may unintentionally pay too little attention. Nor does it mean people with T1D should walk around like victims or constantly talk about the burdens of diabetes. There’s no one “right” way to handle the heaviness of T1D, but if you’re struggling, acknowledge it and don’t let it fester or become life-threatening.

T1D can be overwhelming, and asking for help is a sign of strength. Remember, support is available, and you don’t have to face these feelings alone. Being aware of common symptoms-such as withdrawal, changes in mood or neglecting management-can help loved ones identify when support is needed.

How T1D impacts mental health

Because of the unique burdens of T1D, several mental health conditions have been named specifically for it. Perhaps this is the first time you’re learning about it! Whether you’re brand new to T1D or are a seasoned vet, there’s never a bad time to learn the technical term. Knowing the technical terminology can help you describe what you’re experiencing to your healthcare provider (HCP) more accurately, so they can help you more effectively.

Mental health conditions people with T1D experience may include:

• Diabetes distress: the frustration and exhaustion from constant management
• Diabetes burnout: the feeling of being overwhelmed by the daily demands of diabetes
• Depression: a loss of energy, motivation or interest in activities—in someone with T1D, this sometimes looks like neglecting day-to-day T1D management needs
• Diabulimia: intentional insulin restriction to manage or lose weight
• Anxiety: as it relates to T1D, this may present as the fear of blood sugar swings, complications or judgment or look like someone’s always anticipating, restless or waiting for the other shoe to drop

Why is T1D so burdensome? 

T1D affects every aspect of life—mental, physical, emotional, financial and social. It’s no wonder it takes a toll on your mental health! T1D affects everything, and everything is affected by it. It becomes deeply ingrained in everything you do once you’re diagnosed. 

That 24/7 neediness it demands means you never truly get a break. There are no days off. It’s okay to feel frustrated. Just surviving with T1D takes a level of resilience most people without a chronic illness can’t even begin to imagine.

If that frustration builds into something more dangerous, take it seriously. Don’t make it smaller than it is just because you don’t want to deal with it.

If you’re reading this as a loved one of someone living with T1D, there are ways you can help, as outlined below. Listen closely to the individual, because no two people want the same type or level of support. Maintain open, gracious communication. Even the most independent T1D managers need support!

T1D is an isolating experience, and sometimes your especially independent T1D manager may be fueling hyper-isolation more than they realize. Below are resources and methods that can help you, whether you have T1D or are supporting a loved one.

Support and resources for mental health

If you live with T1D, here are some support methods and resources you can lean on:

Communicate with those whom you trust

• Be open: Share your emotions with trusted loved ones, even if how you’re feeling feels like it’s “too much” or “too messy.” That’s real, and it’s not your fault T1D is so complicated!
  
• Talk honestly about your frustrations, anxiety and burnout: Let it out, and you’re bound to start to feel better. Take some of that weight off your shoulders!
  
• Don’t feel guilty for asking for support: You don’t have to shoulder everything alone. No one should have to be totally alone.
  
• Joining a community: This can be a powerful step toward feeling understood and supported. Connecting with others who truly get it can bring comfort and strength during tough times.

Join the Beyond Type 1 App

Beyond Type 1’s apps are online communities, in English and Spanish, dedicated to changing what it means to live each day with diabetes. With private spaces for those impacted by T1D or type 2 diabetes (T2D), you can instantly connect with others who “get it”—ask questions, share successes and vent in a safe, respectful platform designed specifically for people impacted by the type of diabetes you live with. 

Here, you’ll find the largest collection of practical ideas, stories and resources for not only living with diabetes, but thriving with it. Join the app here.

Join local diabetes meetups or support groups + attend events

Nothing feels more cathartic than attending an in-person T1D meetup, support group or event. 

Here are some options that may appeal to you:

• You’re Just My Type: adult meetups and events across the country
• Breakthrough T1D: meetups, events, walks and conferences for various age groups across the country
• Beyond Type 1 Virtual Meetups: host your own meetup through our network—we can help you with all of the logistics so you can just enjoy it
• Diabetes + Mental Health Conference: this annual conference is exactly what its name implies—your “one-stop” for virtual education and discussion that covers the intersection between mental health and diabetes
• Children with Diabetes Friends for Life Conferences: while these conferences are currently designed for parents and children with T1D, they can also be healing and connective experiences for adults with T1D

These are just some examples! In-person and virtual meetups, conferences and events are happening everywhere around the world. All it takes is a search on Google or TikTok—whatever your vibe is—to find the one that speaks to you. Hear from people who’ve been there to find your people. That’s half the battle in feeling truly supported when dealing with the challenges of T1D.

Find a mental health professional who actually understands diabetes

If your emotions feel overwhelming beyond what peer-to-peer conversations can heal, seek help from a trained mental health professional. Don’t wait until you’re in fight-or-flight mode. Nothing has to be inherently “wrong” to get help from a mental health professional, either. 

Mental health deserves proactivity, just like physical health. It’s all connected! Mental health is a muscle you build that can help improve how you feel about approaching diabetes and how you work through the unrelenting challenges.

Here are some ways you can find diabetes-specific mental health professionals:

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): connects individuals with local mental health resources.
  
• Online therapy platforms: consider BetterHelp, Talkspace or Integrated Diabetes Services (IDS). While IDS is specifically built around diabetes, popular platforms like Talkspace or BetterHelp can help you filter for someone who understands chronic illness, especially diabetes. If you have health insurance, see if they offer a specific therapy portal and explore therapists using filters like “chronic illness” or “diabetes.” Your diabetes educator or endocrinologist may also have local recommendations. Involve them in the conversation! That’s what they’re there for.
  
• American Diabetes Association’s Mental Health Provider Directory: find diabetes-focused mental health professionals through this tailored directory.

Recognize suicide warning signs

Sometimes, the above-mentioned methods aren’t enough. If you’re feeling that way, that’s not a failure. It’s good you’re acknowledging it. Here are some things you’ll want to consider if that’s the case.

If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, seek help immediately:

• Talking about wanting to die or self-harm
• Saying things like “no one would miss me” or “the world would be better off without me”
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being a burden
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing from others
• Showing extreme mood swings
• Suicide prevention hotlines

Help is available 24/7—depending on your location, here are some numbers to call:

• United States: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org
• Canada: Call or text 988
• UK: Call Samaritans at 116 123, or PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 at 0800 068 4141 (for people under 35)
• México: Call Línea de la Vida at 800 911 2000
• Other countries: Visit findahelpline.com if your country is not listed and you need support urgently.

T1D is hard and you’re not alone

Finding balance with your mental health takes time when you live with a chronic illness like T1D, and there’s never any shame in asking for help. Even when it feels that way, remember you are not alone on this journey. The T1D community is here to support you with kindness and understanding. Remember, your presence makes the world a better place. While T1D can be tough, your story doesn’t have to be defined by it.

You can reframe your situation and work through difficult feelings and accompanying mental health disorders, especially with the support and care of those mentioned in this guide. You can find peace and hope beyond what you might imagine.

Accepting a new diabetes diagnosis can be hard. But with the right resources and support, we promise that you can thrive beyond your diagnosis. Download our Beyond Diagnosis Guides to get started.