Shuchita Dua: DGM- Clinical Head Online Vertical, Mom’s Belief
Giving birth to a child changes a woman’s life significantly, shifting her priorities to accommodate the needs of the newborn. The assistance required by newborns from their mothers is quite often and to notable extents that can substantially impact the time a new mother has to tend to her own needs. This can take a toll on the physical and mental health of the mother, if unchecked for a long time. However, in most of cases, with a regular child time commitment reduces as they grow.
When the child is differently-abled, there is no decrease in time and attention requirements as they live a considerably distinct life than other children of their age. This is largely because their cognitive and other abilities grow and work at a pace that is not similar to others. Moreover, this leads to an increase in their parental attention and care as well.
Parents naturally wish their children the best and do everything possible to tend to them with the heartiest of intentions, although it cannot be denied that having a specially-abled child can take a major toll on the mental and physical health of the parents. A differently-abled child’s family has to incur several costs that are not only financially but also emotionally.Further, while the problem being faced by the child is widely recognized by the world, people seldom take note of the hardships faced by the family.
All of this makes it easy for the parents, especially the mother of a differently-abled child to fall prey to mental health problems such as depression due to excessive stress and workload. Having to tend to the child all day can lead the parent to feel burnt out or neglected, which sooner or later can manifest itself as a physical or mental problem in the individual. To avert the possibility of the same, experts suggest some measures that mothers of children with special needs can take. We have discussed them below.
Ways of reducing depression
Make time for yourself
Parents should take note that it is very critical for them to take care of themselves alongside their children. To overcome the problem of neglect, parents should set aside some time for themselves regularly. This time, they should introspect on their feelings and validate and support them. Sometimes, simply clearing out your thoughts can help uplift one’s spirits and prevent their mental health from worsening to the point of contracting depression.
See a therapist
Voicing your feelings and frustrations is a long-established method of improving mental health. Parents of children with special needs tend to sidetrack their emotions to be strong for their child at all times. However, one cannot deny that they, too, are humans and have their share of stress and frustration that needs to surface from time to time to protect their mental health. Seeing a therapist can greatly help in this regard. The professional can not only help you to surface and process your feelings in a healthy way but can also help to point out any rising cause of alarm timely.
Relax your body: Exercise and meditate
Parents of special needs children have to be present and ready to help at all times,therefore it is very essential for them to always maintain optimum health. To cure any physical or mental problem, lifestyle changes are a must. Exercising and meditating regularly can drastically alleviate the physical and mental health of a person. It can also give you that extra boost of energy and calm that can always come in handy in the life of a parent.
The problems of differently-abled children have been talked about a lot in the society at large in recent times. However, the needs of the parents and families of these children are often overlooked not only by society but sometimes even themselves. There is an urgent need for parents of differently-abled children to take measures to protect their mental and physical health. Depression is commonly highlighted in mothers of children with special needs. To curb the possibility and intensity of the same steps should be taken by the mothers.
