In the midst of a challenging journey, a psychologist once inquired, “How are you managing?” This question has become increasingly frequent since my child received his mental health diagnoses, posed by caring friends, family, and even my partner. Though I appreciate the concern, I often find it difficult to articulate my feelings.
The last several weeks, stretching into months, have been filled with a whirlwind of symptoms, emotional outbursts, treatments that bring hope and those that disappoint, numerous consultations with doctors and therapists, culminating in an extensive neuropsychiatric evaluation at one of the leading children’s hospitals in the country.
Following a series of tests, questionnaires, and interviews, we received a diagnosis confirming that my 10-year-old son has generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, and a mood disorder. As we exited the hospital, I held his hand while he navigated the bustling downtown streets, and the world around us felt altered—both daunting and foreign.
Returning home, I was greeted by the same chaos we had left behind. My eldest son eagerly shared his latest discovery about flightless fruit flies as frog feeders, while my husband was focused on catching up with work after taking a significant amount of time off.
I have often expressed this sentiment: receiving a mental health diagnosis for your child doesn’t change the immediate circumstances. The reality remains that life continues as it was, but the emotional landscape of a parent transforms irrevocably.
The meltdowns persist, sleepless nights become routine, and my child continues to endure pain. Treatment takes time to commence, and even longer for it to yield positive results. From my experiences with my eldest son, it took several months before he began to find relief. I remind myself that patience is crucial in this process.
The most challenging aspect of the period between diagnosis and improvement is witnessing my son’s struggles and feeling utterly helpless to alleviate his suffering. It feels fundamentally wrong to remain inactive; such inaction demands a level of courage and faith that feels overwhelming.
Strategies for Coping
During this time of waiting, I have found a few strategies that may offer some solace:
- Ease Up on Routines: Adjusting expectations for daily life—schooling, meals, and chores—is essential. We have entered a phase of survival mode, where flexibility is key.
- Prioritize Time with Other Children: While my eldest son is currently thriving, it can be tempting to focus solely on my newly diagnosed child. However, it’s vital to ensure my older son feels supported as he grapples with the changes occurring in our family dynamics.
- Engage in Prayer: Regular, candid prayers have become a cornerstone of my coping mechanism. Whether seeking healing, patience, or simply the strength to navigate this tumultuous period, these moments of reflection provide a sense of peace. Each prayer reinforces the belief that a higher power is present in our lives, emphasizing that my son is a cherished individual, created uniquely.
As time progresses, I begin to appreciate the distinct qualities of my son’s mind, recognizing its beauty despite the current challenges. The artistic, empathetic, and spirited child remains, not despite his diagnoses but sometimes because of them.
Ultimately, I embrace all aspects of my son’s identity. When asked, “How are you doing?” my response is simple: I am loving him with every ounce of my being.
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In summary, navigating the journey of a child’s mental health diagnosis is a complex experience filled with emotional ups and downs. While immediate changes may not occur, the journey toward healing and understanding is vital. Prioritizing family, being patient, and finding peace through prayer are essential in this challenging time.
Keyphrase: child’s mental health diagnosis
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