Mental Health- The ‘hidden’ complication of Type 1 Diabetes
Message from The Type1 Foundation- Recently we partnered up with Pritchard Health, Geelong’s first nurse led Mental Health clinic. We aim to ensure full support of all families living with Type1 Diabetes. We have also launched Stadium Stomp for Type1 and Mental Health. oUR
WRITTEN BY-STEPHANIE HENDRICKSEN
Once upon a time, there was a girl just shy of 14, with hopes and dreams of her future that limitless. This was destroyed for her in one single sentence. “She has Type 1 Diabetes. Get her to emergency or call an ambulance NOW”
Our childhood and teenage years are a time to explore and consider our dreams for the future. I lost this in an instant. I was sick; health professionals for too long had brushed off my symptoms. I recall drinking so much water that I would be sick if I had more but I still craved it. I remember the constant hunger; I once ate an entire box of mars bars in secret from my parents and yet had lost a third of my body weight in a month. Needing to use the bathroom at least every hour. At the end I recall wetting the bed, which was mortifying at my age and I hid it from my family. I remember standing at the washing machine in the middle of the night wondering what was happening to me. Am I dying? I am alive simply by chance. A Dermatologist that was treating me for acne thought it was all a bit too strange and ordered some tests that confirmed a blood glucose of 53mmol/L.
How does a mother hold her child’s hand and tell them it’s ok, when they’re not sure if it is? How does a child look for their father for reassurance, when he truly cannot give it, but tries anyway? How does a sibling watch as their brother or sister is poked and prodded and wonder why you can’t share food? How does a teenager make sense of this new life with Type 1? How does a child try to wake a parent with Type 1 who is unconscious? How does a young person help a friend who is in need? How do we try to smile when behind it all we are falling apart? The questions are endless. Statistically, 50% of us with Type 1 will develop a mental illness in our lifetime. This isn’t even considering the carers or family. This is the hidden complication of Type 1.
I suffered significantly as a teen, managing all aspects of my T1 and developing a very negative view of my potential in life, to the point I considered my diagnosis as a ‘death sentence’. Educators taught me the ‘how to’ of Type 1, but no one taught me how to live with this. At 28, I’m still trying to figure this out. I‘ve been in a rush to live life in a short space of time; I was told this was all I had. I had forgotten about what it means to live in the here and now. I am not afraid to say that I have a depressive disorder. I’m not afraid to say that I’ve been on the brink of wanting to die over living. I’m not afraid of saying I have Type 1 Diabetes. However, I am afraid of being alone in this.
Geelong Diabetes Care referred me to a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MHNP) by the name of Sian Pritchard. Sian owns and operates Geelong’s first nurse led clinic. She has created Pritchard Health, with care, dedication and persistence.
What is a MHNP? They are highly qualified Registered Nurse who has completed a Masters Degree in Nursing Practice in their specialist field. They are able to diagnosis, prescribe and manage medications, refer you and liaise with other professionals while supporting you as an individual. Sian has over 30 years experience in mental health nursing. She has been recognised by the wider community as the winner of the ‘Australian Mental Health Nurse Achievement Award 2017’ among other achievements.
Pritchard Health works on the basis- putting our hearts into everything we do in order to create healthier outcomes.
My first interaction-“I’m sorry to hear that. That must be really hard”. For years going through health services, I finally felt heard. Not once, had I ever been validated in this way. I feel privileged to be cared for by Pritchard Health. Those at Pritchard Health understand that our brains and bodies don’t work separately. I have been into the depths of despair and hopelessness. Without the support from Sian and her colleagues, I cannot imagine where I would be. I now have the opportunity and curiosity to consider what may be. A future I did not believe in and was so afraid to destined to have.
I am the picture of ‘ordinary’ but that is not a bad thing. Ordinary people can achieve great things. I have lived in Geelong my whole life. I am a nurse, am married and have a dog, Charlie. I am not an athlete by any means yet I am happily putting my faith in both organisations. I asked both Ange for the Type 1 Foundation, and Sian from Pritchard Health about linking both their inspiring organisations to fill the gap between Type 1 Diabetes and mental illness.
I feel passionate about linking mental health and Type 1. I don’t want this to be the hidden complication anymore. I am passionate about future generations being heard. I don’t want carers to be living in silence. I want the community to know that it’s ok to speak out and reach for help. I want health professionals to ask the question as part of everyday consults. I am willing to dedicate myself to fight for both of these causes via participation in Stadium Stomp 2018. The Type 1 Foundation in partnership with Pritchard Health will provide step towards being able to close the gap, we desperately need help to fill.