Will Bonney

I have lived with Type 1 diabetes since 1981. I am acutely familiar with the complexity of this unrelenting condition and psychological challenges of living with the threat of long term health complications and short term life-threatening episodes. Aside from living with diabetes, I have also worked in diabetes research where I came into contact with countless individuals and families facing the challenges of life with diabetes.

The incidence of anxiety and depression among people with diabetes (types 1 and 2) is estimated to be four times the national average with 25% of patients experiencing moderate-to-servere symptoms of depression (Diabetes MILES-Australia 2011 survey report, 2011).

The psychological impact of living with diabetes can reduce emotional capacity to engage pro-actively with the condition. Learned-helplessness and burnout can make a challenging situation overwhelming. My approach to diabetes draws on behavioral therapies to sustain the ability to engage with the condition in a non-judgemental way. I work with clients to minimise stress and optimise psychological and physical wellbeing.

^{Speight, J., Browne, J. L., Holmes-Truscott, E., Hendrieck, C., & Power, F. (2011). Diebetes MILES-Australia 2001 survey report. Canberra: Diabetes Australia}