Father with depression,anxiety with a special needs child.

[Wesleytodd]

Was wondering if anyone else suffered from depression & cared for a special needs child.I sometimes find it hard to keep up energy working full time & trying to stay positive for my family& trying new therapies & communication for my autistic child. Seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.was curious if anyone can relate.

[blackcat64013]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum

You certainly will be living a full and busy life.

Forum member can help by reading your posts and suggesting supports depending on you location if you would care to share with us.

In Australia, we have a national online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers and an interactive service finder helps carers connect to local support services. There are non-government organisations that run programs

and services to support people with disability and their families and carers and most importantly

provides access to a variety of respite services for carers who may need some extra help every now and then, including a short break from their caring role.

I hope you have tapped into government benefits and payments available to support carers. We are progressing to the rollout of a National Disability Insurance Scheme. While this Australia centred there may be tools to help with planning etc which are of benefit to you

The link is ndis.gov.au/

Always happy to help if I can :-).

[Rick1on1]

All the best - you are courageous and brave - I will pray for you!

[Hidden]

If possible you need some time for yourself, you do not mention how old the child is, although I know there is special schooling for children with this complaint and it can really help. We have a relative who has special needs child and the Parents say it has helped

BOB

[DMM218]

Hey - you have my life! Daughter on the spectrum but high functioning. Only diagnosed last year at 12 despite problems throughout childhood - finally got answers when she refused to go to school for 18 months and we moved to new area. I suffered from depression prior to that but it caused major relapse. I've struggled to cope as her mental health problems have worsened recently. All I can say is very few people understand the trauma of your life. It's incredibly difficult and if people really understood you would deserve a medal.

[mysmugcat]

No. I do also work with autistic young people and have worked with a. children. Are you in the UK? Good luck.

[DMM218]

Working full time with disabled child at home is really really hard. You might feel guilty some days that you can escape the house and go to work. You might feel torn between earning money and not being there to physically support child etc whatever role you have in the family dynamic you will feel guilty, not good enough etc. that's because the work needed is immense. But, what you are doing is enough. You are being the best dad you can be. Some days are better than others. That's the nature of life. I know you want to keep a brave face on it. But think about showing some vulnerability, indecision, upset and frustration. Your family actually need to see negative and positive emotions from you. It's ok to say I'm feel angry. That way everyone knows how you are affected by it. That shows you care and it matters. If you are honest, it increases honesty around you. It means people can support you aswell. Emotions if expressed healthily pass and allow closer communication. All of which is good. Having a disabled child simply means you have more work to do to achieve that child's full potential. It's natural to see that as unfair. That doesn't take away the love you have for your child. It's a long dark tunnel which no one else will walk in. But if you listen carefully there are other people in the tunnels next to you. Sometimes they can shout through and give you direction but the hard work is all your own. At the end if you can say you did your best then that's enough. I can't predict ur kids future, just as I can't tell what's going to happen with my daughter. But she knows she is loved, accepted fully and respected. She knows that she has taught me so much about what is important in life. That is enough.