Helping Mothers of Children with Autism to Cope with Depression
This is no great surprise to most mothers of kids on the spectrum, most of whom have gone through - or are going through - feelings of doubt, guilt, anxiety, frustration, and even anger. Some of those feelings are likely to come from a sense that their child's autism could have been prevented if only they had done something differently. And some may come from peers who claim to have "recovered" their child - while your child remains autistic.
Then there are the more concrete issues. Money. Time. School issues that never seem to be truly resolved.
If you're among the many autism moms coping with feelings of depression, you may want to check out these resources. And - as always - please do share your thoughts on this issue by commenting on this blog!
Comments
Lisa,
Thank you for posting such an important topic. I know at various times during the last couple of years, I’ve Googled the word “depression”, seeking some help for the rough patches I occasionally go through.
I’m not indulging in a pity party. Sometimes I simply can feel overwhelmed. I’m human. So far I’ve been able to manage, but having access to resources is so helpful.
Thank you for the resources and encouragement you provided with this entry.
Not just mums!.
Mom’s on Zoloft, I probably need it too. Six Autistic children will do it to you. (our story: http://www.deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660226195,00.html)
Good topic and comment.
One potentially depressing element that you did not focus on is the despair which accompanies many cases when a parent, mom or dad, knows that whatever their efforts, when the parents are gone or can no longer do what is required, their child will live their lives dependent on the care of strangers.
Living with constant, constant fear, is one of the best anti-anti depressant. Fear of taking the car (what if I can’t make it back home?) fear of having a domestic accident, fear of losing it, fear of not waking up, fear of the others doing something wrong to your child and you never knowing it, fear of not knowing what he has just put into his body, fear of not properly understand what he is actually trying to tell you, fear of having definitely made the wrong choice once…