Three Ways To Manage Grief As A Special Needs Parent
Grief is an inevitable part of life that touches us all at some point. It can come through the loss of a loved one, a major life change, or a traumatic event, but grief has other ways of rearing its ugly head. Being a special needs parent comes with many challenges, and one of the toughest of those is the grief you experience with the loss of the child you expected. Whether it’s grief over a diagnosis, grief over a missed milestone, or grief over the challenges your child has to face, it can be overwhelming and all-consuming. The grieving process is different for everyone, but there are steps that can help make it more manageable. Here are three ways to manage grief as a special needs parent.
1. Allow yourself to feel the emotions
One of the most important things you can do when grieving is allow yourself to feel the emotions. It’s okay to cry, be angry, or feel sad. Life as a special needs family is extremely hard. You are often isolated while dealing with the daily struggles of advocating and just living and grief can sneak up when you least expect it. Don’t try to suppress or ignore your emotions, as this can make the grieving process more difficult in the long run. Instead, try to find healthy ways to express your emotions such as talking to a trusted friend or family member, writing in a journal, or engaging in a creative outlet. When you’re dealing with grief, it’s easy to get caught up in the negative. Try to focus on the positive things in life, no matter how small they may seem. Make a list of things you’re grateful for, or take some time to reflect on the progress your child and family have made. Grieve, but celebrate the small victories, and find joy in the present moment.
2. Practice self-care
Take care of yourself! It’s easy to neglect self-care when dealing with grief however, it’s important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Being a special needs parent is no walk in the park and you may likely be caring for your child for the rest of your life. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. Self-care doesn’t need to be expensive or take a lot of planning. It can be as simple as taking a hot bath, going for a walk, having lunch with a friend, or finding relaxation techniques to help manage stress and anxiety. Remember, you can’t take care of your child if you’re not taking care of yourself.
3. Seek support
Grief can be a lonely and isolating experience, and news flash – so is caring for a child with a disability. Do not attempt this journey alone. Seek support from friends, family members, or a professional counselor. There are many organizations that provide support specifically for parents of children with special needs. Joining a support group and talking to others who are going through similar experiences can be incredibly helpful and validating.
Everyone’s journey is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Sometimes you experience grief in the most unexpected ways that leave you baffled. Dealing with grief as a special needs parent is never easy, but by using these three tips can you can manage your grief and find a way forward. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. If you need help finding resources or finding a supportive community please reach out at info@aspecialkind.com.