Digital Diaries: Healing Through Story

How Digital Storytelling Can Help Ease Type 1 Diabetes Burnout

Managing Type 1 diabetes isn’t just about insulin and blood sugar—it’s also about handling the emotional ups and downs that come with it. Feelings like burnout, anxiety, and depression are common, yet often go unspoken. But there’s a growing belief that healing can begin with something simple: sharing stories.

A recent study from Iran, published in BMC Psychology (2025), explored how digital storytelling could support people living with Type 1 diabetes. The findings were eye-opening: participants who watched videos created by others with diabetes—sharing their personal experiences and coping strategies—showed noticeable improvements in emotional well-being.

Method of Creating Digital Stories for Type 1 Diabetes Intervention

The DST videos were developed through a structured, theory-driven, and culturally sensitive process designed to ensure emotional safety, relevance, and impact.

1. Theoretical Framework

• Narrative Theory: Emphasizes storytelling as a tool for emotional processing, meaning-making, and social connection.
• Social Cognitive Theory (SCT): Suggests individuals learn behaviors by observing role models—making peer-created stories a powerful medium for modeling effective diabetes management.

2. Storyteller Selection

• Storytellers were volunteers with well-managed Type 1 diabetes (HbA1c < 7% for at least one year).
• They were members of the Gabric Diabetes Association and designated as Diabetes Ambassadors.
• Selection was based on clinical records and self-reported effective self-management.

3. Theme Development

• Four core themes were chosen based on phenomenological studies of T1D experiences:
• Resilience
• Managing emotions
• Interpersonal relationships
• Burnout
• These themes aligned with the emotional and psychosocial challenges faced by individuals with T1D.

4. Training and Support

• Storytellers received training on:
• Structuring personal narratives
• Using video editing tools (e.g., InShot app)
• Ethical storytelling and emotional safety
• A psychiatric nurse and the research team provided ongoing support throughout the process.

5. Video Production

• Each video was 3–5 minutes long and included multimedia elements (audio, visuals, graphics).
• Videos underwent three rounds of iterative review by the research team to ensure:
• Technical quality
• Narrative clarity
• Ethical compliance
• The review process also served as a form of preliminary testing and refinement.

6. Cultural Adaptation

• The intervention was designed using a participatory approach, involving consultations with:
• T1D patients
• Diabetes educators
• This ensured the stories were culturally relevant and feasible within Iran’s resource-limited healthcare context.

This meticulous process ensured that the DST videos were not only emotionally resonant but also clinically and ethically sound making them a powerful tool for psychosocial support in Type 1 diabetes care.

Why Digital Story Telling Made a Difference

Authentic voices

The videos featured real people managing their condition, offering relatable insights and encouragement.

Shared reflection

Viewers joined virtual discussions to talk about the stories, creating a sense of community and understanding.

Backed by theory

The approach drew from Narrative Theory and Social Cognitive Theory, helping participants process emotions and learn through modeled behavior.

A Message to Patients

You are not alone. Your experience matters. And your story—whether shared or heard—can be a source of healing. Reflecting on others’ journeys can help you reclaim autonomy, build resilience, and rediscover motivation.

A Message to Caregivers

Support goes beyond reminders and routines. It’s about listening, validating, and creating space for emotional expression. Encourage storytelling, whether through conversation, journaling, or video. It’s not just therapeutic—it’s transformative.

The Takeaway

This research highlights the power of storytelling—not just to inform, but to heal. In a digital world, sharing your journey might be the spark someone else needs to keep going. 

Digital storytelling isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge. Between isolation and connection. Between burnout and empowerment. Between surviving and thriving.

Let’s make space for stories. Because in every shared experience, there’s a spark of hope—and a path forward.

#Type1Diabetes #DiabetesAwareness #DiabetesBurnout #MentalHealthMatters #DigitalStorytelling