Anxiety during crisis/we need each other

[Desparate4Help]

This Crisis our nation is facing is causing lots of anxiety and ;panic, but my anxiety doesn't come from the actual corona virus or fear of getting it, but from all that is happening because of it. We have children that are such a challenge and when their routine is thrown off (and ours) it can cause lots of emotions along with all that is going on already. My 9 year old son is diagnosed with ADHD/ODD and mild OCD and I am a single mother without anyone who can help stay with him. We need each other during this time and any suggestions and coaching for us out here who are filled with anxiety due to figuring out what to do during this crisis would be greatly appreciated. Praying for all of us and for this virus to go away so we can all get back our normalcy (but what is normal really?? : ) - So glad to be a part of this community. I have been able to take a lot of the advice I receive here and apply it and some has worked, so it is a blessing to have found y'all! : )

[Onthemove1971]

Our day was ok..

Yesterday I showed him the schedule and he said he agreed but wanted more flexibility. He did Khan academy math and read a few chapters. As far as chores go, we recycled and swept the garage. I did work this am. I know this will be a long journey since this is the 1st day..

Hope you can establish your own routine at home and that could being comfort.

Take care,

[Pennywink]

Establishing a home routine is going to be crucial. Also, lots of teens & college student are looking for tutor / nanny jobs while they are out of school - I see a lot of this info exchanges on my community Facebook group. Good luck!

We’re using our summer break routine, just adapted to include homework & chillier weather.

[Janice_H]

Hi there, I am also a single mother of a 12 y.o. with ADHD. I work full time and started telecommuting yesterday. Since my son is not in school now due to the crisis, I have stopped his Ritalin doses. He is full of energy, frequently interrupts my work and has a tough time following directions. The school system has provided the kids with a massive amount of learning materials with assignments to complete. Parents are expected to teach the materials and work at the same time. It has been difficult balancing both. What has helped is allowing him to play video games for short periods and in between have him do an assignment. I make sure he is getting physical activity twice a day and have him spend about an hour outdoors playing basketball or riding his bike. Hopefully having a schedule will help him. I do not want him to be on video games for too long.

[reg2018]

I think it's really important that the schools get your feedback on this because while it might seem like simply putting all of the lessons online solves the problem, it really doesn't.

I'm not a single mom and I feel overwhelmed with homeschooling and still trying to get everything done that needs to be done. I can't imagine trying to work, and get schooling done, plus managing all of the emotional upheaval, plus get all of the day-to-day stuff done AND take care of yourself.

If you don't let the school admin know how hard it is (and regularly let them know) then they'll assume it's doable.

Your best is good enough. You are good enough.

[ADHDCoaching]

Where are you located? I'm in OC, CA.

[Desparate4Help in reply to ADHDCoaching]

I am in Jackson GA

[ADHDCoaching]

Yes! I am right there with 'ya! Let's hang in there together and the best suggestion I have for everybody is to focus on LOVE. Our kids have a very difficult time with change. If homework of the day does not get done that day, let it go! Our kids need to feel comforted, supported, and loved first! Trying to get it all done in one day can be exhausting for the whole family. Take this time to spend quality time with your child. Use this time to build on positive memories that will last a lifetime!

[Alondra_CHADD]

We understand the impact the COVID-19 crisis can have on many people, including your anxiety. Here are some steps to help manage your anxiety during this crisis:

1. Write down some

thing that causes you anxiety. Name

your worry and be specific. It’s easier

to talk back to “fear of flying” than

“dislike traveling.”

2. What are the negative thoughts

associated with these worries? How

have these interfered with your life?

Jot these down too.

3. Identify what you really want. Think of a time when you did something similar to

your goal that required you to overcome hesitation or avoidance. What exactly did you do and say to yourself? What motivated you? Did anyone help you, and if so, what did they do?

4. See if you can apply any of these techniques and behaviors

to your current goal. Write down these tips so you can refer to

them later.

5. Take your negative thinking as far as you can. Keep asking

yourself “And then what?” when discouraging, fearful thoughts

emerge until you arrive at an endpoint. You may man

age whatever this is or find someone who can.

For more information: chadd.org/wp-content/upload...