Sat, 13 Apr 2024 15:51:49 -0700WeeblyFri, 12 Apr 2024 23:39:41 GMThttp://samaritancares.org/newsletters-events--inspiration/cyclical-grieving-and-the-path-to-acceptanceMany parents of children with autism, and other developmental disabilities, experience something known as cyclical grieving. This grief is processed differently than parents experiencing other grave losses, even the loss of a child. The grieving process typically involves five stages (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) that may or may not be experienced in order and some stages may not be experienced at all. Grieving is a healthy process of healing, leading to a destination of acceptance of a finite loss. Cyclical grief, however, emerges and re-emerges for a special needs parent over the life span of their child with autism. The word cyclical in this context refers to the emotions experienced in the initial stages of grief. These emotions include, but are not limited to anger, anxiety, denial, depression, guilt, helplessness, loneliness, sadness, frustration, and disbelief.

There are a variety of events that can trigger cyclical grieving. Starting with the diagnosis, many parents grieve the idea of the child they were going to have, the relationship they thought they’d have, and the life that child would lead. They may not feel qualified or prepared to raise a child with autism and meet their needs. As the child atypically develops, the parent may experience deep sadness when friends’ children hit milestones and their child does not. This can be recurring, as there are a multitude of lifelong developmental milestones (e.g., first words, walking, riding a bike, making a friend, driving, transitioning to college or career, getting married).

The parent may feel frustrated and exhausted fighting to secure services and advocate for their child. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and ignore or minimize their own needs in the process. “In addition to experiencing high levels of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, parents of children with disabilities are faced with the heartbreaking limitations that exist in a world where not all children are included, considered, and prioritized in the same ways” (Munoz 2017). 

This leads to another powerful emotion that parents of children with special needs often feel in cyclical grieving - guilt. They may feel guilty because they missed the signs and got their child a late diagnosis or they can’t provide the extra support the child needs. They may just feel guilty that they can’t change the times their child has been excluded, mistreated, or unwanted by others.

It is important to know that these feelings are normal, and they need to be acknowledged and talked about. “These strong feelings are going to be experienced by most parents/caregivers of children on the autism spectrum because of the great love they feel for their children” (Hetzel, 2018). However, periods of grief are woven throughout times of great happiness for parents of children with autism. Every goal met, every unexpected milestone achieved, and every new skill mastered brings immeasurable joy as they learn to accept life with autism.
If you are a parent of a child on the autism spectrum or other developmental disability and are experiencing these emotions, you are not alone. Samaritan is here to support you! Call us at 909-985-0513 to make an appointment with one of our caring counselors.

Sources:
Hetzel, Ann Psy.D. Cyclical Grieving for Parents of Children with Autism. Hopebridge.com, 2018
Munoz, Alicia, LPC. Self-Care Tips for Parents of Special Needs Children. Goodtherapy.com, 2017.
]]>Thu, 07 Mar 2024 21:16:48 GMThttp://samaritancares.org/newsletters-events--inspiration/self-care-for-special-needs-parentsIn the struggle to increase educational and social opportunities for children with disabilities, their parents/caregivers bear the burden of advocating for and securing necessary services, resources, and support. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and ignore or minimize their own needs in the process. “In addition to experiencing high levels of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, parents of children with disabilities are faced with the heartbreaking limitations that exist in a world where not all children are included, considered, and prioritized in the same ways” (Munoz 2017).

Every day, our Behavior Specialists work with these parents providing in-home behavior intervention services and training. They witness the extra resilience, perseverance, compassion, and resourcefulness required of these parents/caregivers and how critical their self-care is to the well-being of their families. If you or someone you love is the parent of a child with special needs, keep reading for ways you can make self-care a priority.
​

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s more than likely you have friends and family that want to help you but may not know how. Help them by being specific about your needs. Ask a friend to pick up groceries or bring you a meal if they like to cook. Perhaps a neighbor can drop off and pick up your other children at school. If you have a friend who is good at administrative tasks have them help you with scheduling appointments, finances, or documentation for school and other providers.
• Take time for yourself. Make a habit of scheduling “me” time. Even just 15 minutes a day of time to yourself can reduce stress, help you be a better parent, and prevent caregiver burnout. Take a walk, talk with a friend, curl up and read a book, do whatever it is that you enjoy and will help you relax.
• Find and use respite services. Sometimes parents of children with disabilities and special needs feel pressured to do it all on their own. However, allowing a trained professional to care for your child sometimes may give both of you positive time apart. It can also help you preserve your emotional and mental resources, helping you keep up your strength in parenting.
• Join a support group. Finding a support group of parents whose children face similar challenges can help you to feel like you’re not alone. Support groups provide a non-judgmental space where you can vent, share your worries, fears, grief, and anger with people who “get” you like no one else can. You may also learn about new resources or develop new strategies by hearing what other parents are doing.
• Seek professional help if needed. A professional can help give you the tools to teach your child to become as independent as possible, regulate their emotions, and live to their fullest potential. You also may benefit from a counselor giving you a space to grieve, share your victories, and process your frustrations. Professional help is essential if you find yourself overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or have trouble coping and functioning. 

We are here to help. Call us at 909-985-0513 to schedule a counseling appointment or to learn more about our  Behavior Education And Management Services (BEAMS) program providing in-home behavior intervention services and parent training for families living with developmental disabilities.

  References:

1. Children with disabilities (2017). Retrieved from www.globalpartenership.org/focus-areas/children-with-disabilities
2. Self-Care Tips for Parents of Special Needs Children (2017). Retrieved from www.goodtherapy.org

]]>Thu, 08 Feb 2024 22:57:35 GMThttp://samaritancares.org/newsletters-events--inspiration/what-do-healthy-relationships-looks-likeOne of Samaritan's specialties is working with individuals and couples to help them recognize, build, and improve healthy relationships in their lives. How do you know if your relationship is healthy? If you're not in a relationship, do you know what characteristics to look for in another person and how to create a strong bond

According to relationship experts, Drs. John and Julie Gottman, building a sound relationship is much like building a sound house. "The weight-bearing walls of the house and the foundation of a quality relationship, are trust and commitment. A sound relationship house isn't built in a day. It's constructed brick by brick. How you decorate it is up to you - every couple is completely unique- but the levels are fundamental." Below are seven signs of a healthy relationship:

1. You are equal partners – You both have a say in the relationship. One partner doesn’t see themselves as better or more powerful in the relationship. You make decisions together and openly discuss whatever you’re dealing with, like relationship problems and sexual choices.
2. You have mutual respect - Partners in love think highly of each other, despite their flaws. They appreciate each other’s dignity, values, and decisions whether they agree or not. They can set boundaries about what they’re comfortable with, and those boundaries are respected.
3. You trust each other - Strong couples trust each other in numerous areas such as finances, parenting, and faithfulness. Predictability, dependability, and faith in one’s partner are all indicators of a trusting connection.
4. You communicate honestly & openly – Healthy communication requires respect and empathy. Partners must be active listeners and apply the principle of listening to understand and not listening to reply. This type of listening creates a deeper understanding of what is communicated, contributing to a healthier relationship.
5. You support each other – You encourage each other to keep growing and are supportive of one another’s goals. When something negative happens, you and your partner offer each other comfort and support. You also spend time apart to have some alone time, meet with friends, and pursue your own interests.
6. You have fun together –You and your partner enjoy each other’s company. Life isn’t always a party, but your relationship is happy and you have fun together most of the time.
7. You’re not afraid to speak up - Both partners can gently bring up an issue of concern, rather than communicating harshly with criticism. You can resolve conflict without feeling belittled, judged, or ignored.

Samaritan Counseling Center offers resources to help you gain the skills to build healthy relationships and mend those that need repair.

• Individual counseling
• Couples counseling
• Classes to help survivors of Domestic Violence heal and maintain a healthy lifestyle and relationships.

We are here to help. Call us at 909-985-0513 to schedule an appointment.]]>Wed, 17 Jan 2024 22:46:51 GMThttp://samaritancares.org/newsletters-events--inspiration/accepting-yourself-in-the-new-yearEvery new year, many people are inspired to set resolutions to change and improve themselves.  However, studies show that by the end of January only around 8% of these are following through on their resolutions. Furthermore, those people are successful because they set realistic and measurable goals that they are capable of and ready to change.

So, what do you do about the things that you can’t change, or aren’t ready to change? The wounds of abuse and trauma, a terminal diagnosis, permanent disability or chronic disease, loss of a loved one, divorce, heartbreak, a wayward child, addiction, mental illness. Are you any less worthy than the successful 8% because your problems weren't fixed with a New Year’s resolution? Absolutely not, you are worthy of love and valuable because you are human. Everyone has unwanted life experiences and personal imperfections beyond their control. While it may seem counterintuitive, by radically accepting yourself and your reality, you can find the doorway to healing and positive change.
What is Radical Acceptance and how can you practice it?

Radical Acceptance is an element of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. It is about accepting life on life’s terms and not resisting what you cannot or choose not to change. It is a skill that can help you keep pain & discomfort from turning to suffering. Keep reading for ways to accept your circumstances and the emotions attached to them while still moving toward your goals.
 

• Recognize what you can and cannot control: Let go of things beyond your control. This can be easier said than done. Start by focusing on what you can control, such as how you react to stressors, negative emotions, or relapses. One practice that has helped countless people for decades is praying the Serenity Prayer which begins with "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
• Practice mindfulness: If you are in a distressing or upsetting situation, become aware of what you are feeling, acknowledge those feelings, and let them exist without judging yourself.
• Practice journaling: Journaling can be a good way to reflect on your experiences, emotions, and behaviors. It can also help you process unwanted or complicated emotions, particularly those related to behavior disorders, trauma, or other mental health issues.
• Create a list of coping statements: Compile a list of coping statements for radical acceptance that you can turn to whenever you are struggling (e.g. “it is what it is”). Having these on hand can help you react to painful situations in a mindful way.
• Move away from idealism: Remove the unnecessary pressure from yourself to seek perfection. Instead seek to instill mindfulness and joy into everything you do.
• Practice self-compassion: This means that you accept your mistakes, flaws, and slip ups with kindness and compassion. You acknowledge that you are a human and capable of making mistakes. If you are in recovery, you recognize that it is a lifelong process. Speak to yourself kindly, the way you would to a dear friend.
• Forgive yourself: Nothing good comes from holding onto regrets. Recognize and accept your past behaviors so that you can move toward a place of healing.

 
Practicing Radical Acceptance can be challenging. Learning to change your perspective takes time. But, once you do learn to accept your reality, you will be better equipped to cope with difficult situations and feelings, making it easier to progress toward your goals. If you find yourself struggling to give yourself grace or punishing yourself, it may be time to reach out to a mental health professional.
We are here to help! Call 909-985-0513 to schedule an appointment.
 
Sources: lifelineconnections.org; University of Scranton; uabmedicine.org; hhs.gov; psychologytoday.com
* Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, Within Health]]>Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:14:12 GMThttp://samaritancares.org/newsletters-events--inspiration/managing-your-mental-health-at-the-holidaysFor most people, the holiday season is filled with celebrations, family, and friends. But, for many it is a time filled with stress, sadness, and loneliness. If you find this time of year difficult to enjoy, you are not alone.
 
Seasonal factors such as, changes in diet and routine, or the inability to be with family and friends can negatively impact your mood. People who already live with a mental health condition need to take extra care of their overall health and well-being during this time (nami.org).
 
Keep reading for 10 practical tips* to help manage the stress and depression that often accompany the holidays. 

1. Acknowledge your feelings. If you are grieving or you can't be with loved ones for other reasons, realize that it's normal to feel sadness. It's OK to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season. 

2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events that offer support and companionship. If you're feeling stressed, try texting or calling a friend or family member to talk. Volunteering your time or doing something to help others is also a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. 

3. Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to and be open to creating new ones. Even though your holiday plans may look different this year, you can find ways to celebrate. 

4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Try to be understanding if others get upset or distressed when things don’t go according to plan. They may be feeling holiday stress and depression too. 

5. Stick to a budget. Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend and stick to it. Consider giving homemade gifts, a family gift exchange, or donating to a charity in someone’s honor. 

6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends, and other activities. Ask for help with meal preparation and clean up. 

7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. 

8. Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence may add to your stress and guilt. Try these suggestions:

• Have a healthy snack before holiday parties and use portion control with sweets and drinks.
• Eat healthy meals throughout the season.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Include regular physical activity in your daily routine.
• Reduce the time you spend reading news and social media.

9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself and find an activity you enjoy. Some options include taking a walk, listening to soothing music, or reading a book. 

10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable, hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for more than 2 weeks, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. 
*from mayoclinic.org

]]>Fri, 13 Oct 2023 21:50:11 GMThttp://samaritancares.org/newsletters-events--inspiration/how-to-recognize-domestic-violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner.
 
While physical abuse can be one way of maintaining power and control, it does not occur in every abusive relationship and is not the only form of abuse. Below are some signs and types of abuse that may be present in a relationship.
 
Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, shoving, grabbing, pinching, biting, hair pulling, etc. are all examples of physical abuse.
 
Sexual Abuse: Coercing or attempting to coerce any sexual contact or behavior without consent is abusive.
 
Emotional Abuse: Examples of emotional abuse include, but are not limited to, name-calling, blaming, minimizing concerns of abuse, humiliation, mind games, and guilt. These are used to undermine an individual's sense of self-worth and/or self-esteem. Emotional abuse can be covert, insidious, and manipulative, making it difficult to detect.
 
Economic/Financial Abuse: Is defined as making or attempting to make an individual financially dependent by maintaining total control over financial resources, withholding one's access to money, or forbidding one's attendance at school or employment.
 
Psychological Abuse: Elements of psychological abuse include but are not limited to: causing fear by intimidation; threatening physical harm to self, partner, children, or partner's family or friends; destruction of pets and property; isolation from family, friends, school and/or work.
 
*U.S. Department of Justice
Sources: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violene Hotline: 800-799-7233
We are here to help! Our therapists specialize in working with children, teens, and their families. Call us at 909-985-0513 to schedule an appointment.
 
​]]>Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:59:43 GMThttp://samaritancares.org/newsletters-events--inspiration/suicide-prevention-starts-with-support1424394​Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the 2nd leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults up to age 34. It is estimated that for every death by suicide, there are over 25 attempts. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues come together to produce an experience of hopelessness and despair. Samaritan therapist, Dr. Carlyn Werderman says that suicide prevention starts with a strong system of support. “If people feel supported, and they know they can connect to and utilize resources that can help them, then they may feel less alone and more hopeful for the future.” A support system is made up of protective factors that can increase resilience during stressful situations or when risk factors are increased.
 
Circumstances that protect against suicide risk:

Individual Protective Factors:

• Effective coping and problem-solving skills
• Reasons for living (for example, family, friends, pets, etc.)
• Strong sense of cultural identity

Relationship Protective Factors:

• Support from partners, friends, and family
• Feeling connected to others

Community Protective Factors:

• Feeling connected to school, community, and other social institutions
• Availability of consistent and high quality physical and mental/behavioral healthcare

Strengthening these protective factors is an ongoing process. We are here to help! If you or someone you know is struggling or needs help managing their mental health, call us at 909-985-0513.

Suicide is preventable. You can help someone you know!

1. Express care and listen without judgment.
2. Ask directly if this person is contemplating suicide.
3. Call a Mental Health Professional, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) or the Community Crisis Response Team (909-458-1517).

If you have an immediate concern about someone's safety, call 911!
Sources: CDC, Western Michigan University wmich.edu]]>Mon, 31 Jul 2023 22:29:12 GMThttp://samaritancares.org/newsletters-events--inspiration/addressing-back-to-school-anxietyFor many children and teens, the start of a new school year means reuniting with friends, new experiences, and learning opportunities. However, the transition may cause anxiety for your child, especially if last year was rough or they’re starting a new school. By equipping your child with the necessary tools to start the school year off on the right foot, you can help them manage back-to-school stress while thriving both academically and emotionally.

• Before school starts, help your child or teen develop a calendar that includes all activities, projects, social events, and holidays. Whether it is a hard bound planner or on a phone, set the expectation that everything goes on the calendar and check in with your child regularly to review deadlines. Younger children may need more support with time management while teens can be encouraged to take ownership of their schedule.
• Reach out to your student’s school to arrange a visit if possible. With your younger kids, practice school drop off and walking to their classroom on their own. For teens, allow them to map out their class schedule, find their locker, the lunch area, and restroom locations. Feeling prepared can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, particularly for students with sensory concerns.
• Promote healthy habits by establishing routines before school starts. Establish a consistent bedtime to make sure your child gets enough sleep. Teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night. This can be difficult for teens with busy extracurricular schedules and the temptations of screen time. If your student’s sleep is suffering, consider reducing or removing activities. Limit screen time and try removing phones from the bedroom at night to support restful sleep. A healthy diet and physical activity can also reduce anxiety and improve mental health.
• Request an IEP (Individual Educational Plan) or 504 if your child has a diagnosis that interferes with school functioning and learning. If your student is eligible, these plans can provide necessary support and accommodations to help your child succeed. For example, a plan for anxiety could include extra time or a separate space for writing assignments and tests. For students with nervous habits like leg bouncing or pencil tapping, interventions such as being sent on an errand for a teacher or going to a designated space to decompress can be written into the plan.
• Support your kids emotionally by letting them know that they can talk to you about anything. Ask them about the best part of their day. Talk to them about the value of supportive friendships, and what to do if they experience bullying. Help them think through ways to appropriately handle conflict with peers and the adults in authority at school. Stop what you are doing and listen when your child is telling you about a problem they are having. Above all, reassure them that you are their ally and biggest cheerleader.​

You may want to consider seeking professional help if your child’s back to school anxiety doesn’t improve after the first few weeks. If they continue to show signs of school related distress, it is a good idea to contact a mental health professional. Early intervention can prevent or slow the progression of symptoms and help kids learn healthy ways to manage their mental health.

We are here to help! Call us at 909-985-0513 to schedule an appointment. ]]>Tue, 23 May 2023 23:29:09 GMThttp://samaritancares.org/newsletters-events--inspiration/how-to-help-your-teen-with-depression8460537
A growing number of youth in the U.S. live with major depression, with over 15% experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. In 2021, roughly 42% of students said they felt so sad and hopeless that they stopped doing activities they once did (CDC 2023). The ongoing stress, fear, grief, and uncertainty of the last three years has weighed heavily on them, and many are struggling to cope emotionally. If your teen is struggling with depression, there are things you can do to help. The first step in helping your child battle depression is knowing how to recognize the warning signs. 
​

• Irritable or depressed mood
• Withdrawal/social isolation
• Lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
• Hopelessness
• Deterioration or fluctuations in academic success
• Feeling inappropriate guilt/feelings of worthlessness
• Lack of energy and motivation
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Emotional highs and lows
• Eating a lot more or a lot less than usual
• Talk of suicide and/or death

If your child is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, they may need professional help. You can get them help by talking to your pediatrician, taking them to a mental health professional, or contacting a crisis hotline in an emergency*. With or without professional help, you as a parent are instrumental in improving your child’s mental health. Keep reading for ways to help your child manage their depression.

• Set the tone – Parents set the tone of the household. Expressing excessive worry or fear affects your children. If you’re struggling with your own stress, seek out help for yourself. It’s important to keep communicating to your child that there is hope for a better and happier future.
• Provide emotional support – Ask your child how they are feeling and listen to what they have to say. Spend quality time with your child. Encourage open and honest conversations and acknowledge their internal struggles.
• Encourage healthy habits – You may not be able to force your child to be physically healthy, but you can model a healthier lifestyle for them. Encourage your teen to get involved in a sport or just take daily walks with them. Try stocking your fridge with more fruits and vegetables and don’t buy junk food or drinks with a lot of refined sugar. Encourage your child to sleep regularly with a set bedtime and wake time.
• Create visual reminders – Lack of motivation and difficulty concentrating are both symptoms of depression. This can make it difficult for your teen to keep up with their hygiene, daily tasks, and schoolwork. Try helping your child create a daily schedule that they can readily access. Another helpful idea is to print a monthly calendar and write deadlines for assignments on it.
• Help them connect – Depression can lead to isolation. The forced isolation and loneliness due to the pandemic negatively impacted teens and many had a hard time returning to school, their regular activities, and socializing. This can be a complicated issue because you can’t force your child to get out and make friends. But you can model it for them by staying connected to others yourself. Talk to your teen and find out what they're interested in. Encourage them to join a club or affinity group at school, attend social events, youth group at church, or activities in the community. Allow them to have friends over to hang out or sleep over. Planning family gatherings is a good way to keep your child socializing, especially if they have anxiety about making new friends. Do whatever it takes to keep your child in contact with other people. It's going to take time and patience on your part, but loneliness will not go away on its own.

 
To help your teen overcome depression, you must be ready to act. Don’t be afraid to reach out to their teachers, pediatrician, therapist, family, and friends and let them know what’s going on. Build a support system of people who can help your child and yourself. After all, if you don’t take action to help your child, who will?
 
We are here to help! Our therapists specialize in working with children, teens, and their families. Call us at 909-985-0513 to schedule an appointment.

*San Bernardino Community Crisis Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 909-535-1316.
​
Sources: National Alliance on Mental Illness, nami.org; Mental Health America, mhanational.org
]]>Thu, 16 Mar 2023 23:39:02 GMThttp://samaritancares.org/newsletters-events--inspiration/march-is-developmental-disabilities-month​In 1987, President Reagan recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to increase “public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities” and to provide the “encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
​
Developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. “Children with disabilities remain the most excluded group [when it comes to educational opportunities], discriminated not only because of their disability but also because of lack of understanding and knowledge about its causes, implications, and stigma” (Global Partnership for Education).
 
In the struggle to increase educational and social opportunities for children with disabilities, their parents/caregivers are champions advocating for and securing necessary services, resources, and support. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and ignore or minimize their own needs in the process. “In addition to experiencing high levels of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, parents of children with disabilities are faced with the heartbreaking limitations that exist in a world where not all children are included, considered, and prioritized in the same ways” (Munoz 2017).

Every day, our Behavior Specialists work with these parents providing in-home behavior intervention services and training. They witness the extra resilience, perseverance, compassion, and resourcefulness required of these parents/caregivers and how critical their self-care is to the well-being of their families. If you or someone you love is the parent of a child with special needs, keep reading for ways you can make self-care a priority.
​

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s more than likely you have friends and family that want to help you but may not know how. Help them by being specific about your needs. Ask a friend to pick up groceries or bring you a meal if they like to cook. Perhaps a neighbor can drop off and pick up your other children at school. If you have a friend who is good at administrative tasks have them help you with scheduling appointments, finances, or documentation for school and other providers.

 

• Take time for yourself. Make a habit of scheduling “me” time. Even just 15 minutes a day of time to yourself can reduce stress, help you be a better parent, and prevent caregiver burnout. Take a walk, talk with a friend, curl up and read a book, do whatever it is that you enjoy and will help you relax.

 

• Find and use respite services. Sometimes parents of children with disabilities and special needs feel pressured to do it all on their own. However, allowing a trained professional to care for your child sometimes may give both of you positive time apart. It can also help you preserve your emotional and mental resources, helping you keep up your strength in parenting.

 

• Join a support group. Finding a support group of parents whose children face similar challenges can help you to feel like you’re not alone. Support groups provide a non-judgmental space where you can vent, share your worries, fears, grief, and anger with people who “get” you like no one else can. You may also learn about new resources or develop new strategies by hearing what other parents are doing.

 

• Seek professional help if needed. A professional can help give you the tools to teach your child to become as independent as possible, regulate their emotions, and live to their fullest potential. You also may benefit from a counselor giving you a space to grieve, share your victories, and process your frustrations. Professional help is essential if you find yourself overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or have trouble coping and functioning. 

We are here to help. Call us at 909-985-0513 to schedule a counseling appointment or to learn more about our  Behavior Education And Management Services (BEAMS) program providing in-home behavior intervention services and parent training for families living with developmental disabilities.

  References:

1. Children with disabilities (2017). Retrieved from www.globalpartenership.org/focus-areas/children-with-disabilities
2. Self-Care Tips for Parents of Special Needs Children (2017). Retrieved from www.goodtherapy.org

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