This quote sums it all up. "If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present." Lao Tzu.
Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, lack of interest in pleasure, hopelessness and stops you from doing normal or enjoyable activities for more than a few weeks. One in ten Americans suffer with depression.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders and it causes feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness that occurs as a reaction to stress or to an upcoming event or situation. Forty-two and a half million Americans suffer from anxiety.
For the parents of special needs children; depression can set in a few weeks after they get the diagnosis that their child will have a congenital disorder and or disabilities. The depression can then get even deeper when they learn about all of the unique challenges and changes that will occur within their family. Anxiety can set in when they learn about all of the Doctors and specialists appointments, medications, therapies, treatments and any surgeries that will become a part of their childs life. The life and care of a special needs child can be extremely overwhelming.
So what is the next step? Well first you need to get diagnosed. That happens by going to your primary care Doctor who will hopefully refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist. Next is the treatment. This could be in the form of therapy, medication or both. Since depression and anxiety are so common, most people usually know about these steps or know of someone who's been through them.
Here's where it gets tricky for the parents of special needs children. They understandably are extremely busy with the care, needs, Doctor appointments and therpies for their child. Which makes them more likely to neglect their own physical and mental health. So going through the steps in the above paragraph does not always happen for most parents.
Now for the parents who do find the time to get diagnosed and ordered treatments and medications. They often then have a hard time to follow through with what was ordered. Yet, to be able to be in the optimal mental space to take care of the physical health of their child they need to make their own mental health a priority.
So how do you not make depression and anxiety define who you are as a parent? Well, it's as simple as taking care of your mental health. Going to all of your therapy and Doctor's appointments. Taking all of your medications exactly as prescribed. Making your therapy and medications just as important as you make you childs therapy and medications. As hard as it may seem it is indeed possible when you realize that it is easier to take care of all of your childs needs when you take care of your needs first. This can be hard to reconcile in your mind as your child is your priority.
Here's where I come in. As your Nurse Life Coach, I will help you to see the importance of getting and following through with your appointments and medications as needed. While also helping you to stay accountable to the importance of your physical and mental health needs. I'll also show you how making yourself a priority will allow you to be the best possible version of yourself for your child.
If you'd like to learn more about how I can help you get all the above and more accomplished then reach out to me in the links below and schedule a Free Consultation Call. We can work together on developing the best plan for you and your family's optimal physical and mental health.
Your Nurse Life Coach,
Nadege
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