Emotional Wellbeing in Children and Young People with Diabetes

Introduction

Living with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) poses unique challenges for children and young people (CYP) and their families, often impacting their emotional wellbeing. This article aims to shed light on the difficulties associated with caring for T1DM and the emotional challenges faced by CYP and their families. It emphasizes the role of healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists, in promoting emotional wellbeing through supportive language and providing appropriate support resources.

Emotional Challenges of Caring for Diabetes

Following a diagnosis of T1DM, both CYP and their families experience a range of challenging emotions. The demands of diabetes care, such as constant monitoring of blood glucose levels, insulin administration, and managing carbohydrate intake, can take a toll on emotional wellbeing. CYP with T1DM are at a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. These emotional difficulties can also impact the overall management of diabetes, potentially leading to life-threatening complications. Additionally, cognitive difficulties may arise, affecting learning, memory, and executive functioning.

Promoting Emotional Wellbeing

While T1DM presents emotional challenges, it is crucial to recognize the opportunities for growth and empowerment in CYP with this condition. Research indicates that promoting emotional wellbeing can improve self-care and quality of life. Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, play a vital role in this process. By using supportive language and demonstrating empathy, they can create an environment conducive to emotional wellbeing. Collaboration between healthcare professionals and families is essential, especially during periods of transition and adolescence when family conflicts can arise.

Using Supportive Language

The language used to discuss diabetes can significantly impact the emotional wellbeing of CYP and their families. Best practices advocate for person-first language that is collaborative and empathetic. This approach promotes a positive relationship between healthcare professionals and patients and encourages better self-care. For instance, replacing terms like "control" or "compliance" with "self-care" and referring to individuals as "persons with diabetes" instead of "diabetics" fosters a more supportive and empowering environment.

Signposting for Access to Emotional Support

Pharmacists are well-positioned to identify signs of emotional struggles among CYP and their families. By observing changes in behavior or communication patterns, pharmacists can initiate conversations about emotional wellbeing. It is important to ask open-ended questions to understand how families are coping with diabetes care. Access to emotional support is available through general practitioners (GPs) and diabetes teams, and routine assessment of emotional wellbeing is mandated by best practice guidelines. Pharmacists can play a crucial role in informing families about available resources and facilitating their access to appropriate support.

Conclusion

Living with diabetes presents emotional challenges for children, young people, and their families. Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, can support them by recognizing the difficulties they face and using supportive language. Pharmacists can also serve as a bridge, guiding families towards emotional support resources provided by GPs and diabetes teams. By fostering emotional wellbeing, healthcare professionals contribute to the overall care and quality of life of CYP with diabetes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: How does living with type 1 diabetes affect the emotional wellbeing of children and young people?

Living with type 1 diabetes can have a significant impact on the emotional wellbeing of children and young people. The demands of diabetes care, the fear of complications, and the challenges of managing the condition can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and disordered eating.

Q2: What role can pharmacists play in supporting emotional wellbeing for children and young people with diabetes?

Pharmacists, as accessible healthcare professionals, can provide support and guidance to children, young people, and their families. They can offer information about emotional support resources and use supportive language when discussing.

References:

(The Pharmaceutical Journal - [https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/ld/emotional-wellbeing-in-children-and-young-people-with-diabetes)