How are you doing?

Caring for, loving on, and basically being mum and dad to children with special needs, is hard work. It can be mentally exhausting and also sometimes leads to some very conflicting emotions when you feel that you are not getting anywhere, or that you can’t catch a break. Yet you may also feel guilty for feeling this way because all you want to be is a good parent.

It is important that you take time to look after yourself. Your mental and emotional health is so important in every aspect of your life. Mental well-being is where the strength for every day is derived from. Do you ever take time to reflect on how you are doing?

Take a moment to answer these questions: Where does your support and strength come from? How are you really doing? Do you need to cry? Complain? Scream? Would you like some help but don’t know who to ask?

Taking care of yourself and acknowledging the emotional impact your child’s difficulties are having on you is so important. You need to fill yourself up in order to give out what you do on a daily basis. So be sure to make time to refill and re-energise. Whatever it is that fills your tank, try to do it.

How do I look after my well-being?

Evidence suggests that we can all make improvements to our mental well-being by incorporating these 5 aspects into our daily routine. They are like taking your 5-a-day for good physical well-being, except these are for your mental health.

Think about small things you can realistically do in relation to each point every day.

Connect

Talk and listen, be there and feel connected.

Be Active

Do what you can. Enjoy what you do. Move more.

Take Notice

Remember the simple things that give you joy.

Keep Learning

Embrace new experiences. See new opportunities. Surprise yourself.

Give

Your words. Your time. Your presence.

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You could also consider joining some support groups so you can talk to others who understand your experiences.

If you are already feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or low in mood, you may be depressed and need to seek help for yourself. Remember, you can’t pour anything out of an empty cup!! Refill yourself in order to keep giving what you give out daily.

Harriet Vera – Parent & Mental Health Consultant