What Was It That Caused Your Depression
On July 24th, 2010 my world changed forever. At the regional center language evaluation the conversation had switched from talking about a language delay to something else. "wait a minute," I said, "you don't mean autism, do you?"
The room went silent and the social worker said, "why don't you come with me."
I went on the overdrive rampage that seems typical- with research and phone calls and scheduling appointments and waiting. For the first few weeks all I could see was the autism in everything my son was and did. The super high level of expectations I put on myself caused me to spiral downward into the abyss.
How Did You Get Past Depression to Help Your Child
I charged myself to find one thing every day that my son and I both enjoyed doing together... Even if it's not therapeutic or direct teaching, it's about the engagement. Right now we both love running down the street together, before it was drawing, before that dancing. The point is to give yourself some moments each day that aren't about the autism, that are just fun times, even just five minutes, of enjoyment and pleasure. I also have my mom call me once a week to tell me to "calm the heck down.". Find something you can do that you and your family enjoys, a short DVD, a song, a book that for a few minutes is just pure love. The work is unbelievable, and at times, unbearable... When you hit a bad day, accept it... It will pass and a good day will come.
Advice
- I just read this quote that helps me... "I never said it would be easy... I only said it would be worth it."~ God
- Whatever you believe, believe in love.
- It's not a sprint, it's a marathon... The best outcomes come with good pacing.
