Balancing Life; your not alone
Coping with a chronic ill child while at the same time trying to balance life, work, and family can be difficult. Many parents can feel overwhelmed, frustrated, depressed, and angered. It is okay to ask for help and have a little of ”me time” to unwind. Most parent’s don’t ask for help because they’re embarrassed to do so. So what do you do when you feel your being pulled in different directions? Here are a few tips to help:
*Health- in order to best help your child you need to take care of yourself first. Eat healthy foods and exercise. Not only will this help you to avoid many types of cancers and diseases but it will also make you feel good.
*Education- When parents first learn about their child’s chronic illness they feel as if there is no future for them. Seek information to understand the illness and consider the treatment options. There is also a lot of information online to raise awareness.
*Support- during this difficult time it is always best to get support. Get support from your child’s care team. That can include pediatricians, specialists, therapists, family, friends, and caregivers. Don’t feel ashamed to ask for help. You can also search for support groups near you and online with parent’s that are going through similar if not the same situation.
*One Day at a time- As a parent, you may feel it’s your fault that your child is sick. You may blame yourself or your spouse. Take it a day at a time and in the process of caring for your sick child, it is okay to schedule some you time. In doing this you will provide the best care for your child because you won’t be so overwhelmed.
Here are a few signs you are stressed:
Headaches
Sleep difficulties
Upset stomach
Mood swings
Teeth grinding
Feelings of low self-esteem
Sadness or depression
Social withdrawal
Lack of motivation
Easily angered
You may feel at times like running away because you feel as if everything is piling up on you. But as the saying goes “God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers”. You are not alone, we are here to help.
“WHENEVER WE BEGIN TO FEEL AS IF WE CAN NO LONGER GO ON, HOPE WHISPERS IN OUR EAR TO REMIND US THAT WE ARE STRONG”
