These are very uncertain times for disability parents and their children. The stress, fear, worry, frustration, confusion, and even anger is palpable among many in the disability community. Potential budget cuts to Special Education, Medicaid, and Social Security disability benefits and possible allocation of funds to the discretion of the states has caused major concerns for many. There are actions we can take, and then there are factors beyond our knowledge and control. We hope these 3 ways to cope with the stress of the unknown will help bring you some peace.
1. Do what you can.
Every child’s and family’s circumstances are unique. And depending on what state you live in and what accommodations and benefits your child needs, your family may be facing different potential changes and challenges than the next family.
Staying informed of the up-to-date facts will help alleviate your fears or give you the information you need to move forward.
What can you do right now?
- Advocate and raise awareness. Many people don’t know about or understand what is happening and how it might impact children and adults with disabilities and chronic medical or physical conditions.
- Contact your elected officials to protect disability rights.
- Plan for the future. Oftentimes, we don’t know what’s going to happen or how services and benefits may change. This can be very scary. Begin brainstorming. We are currently. discussing what we would do if we lost our daughter’s home health skilled nursing or special education services.
- Pray. Ask God for help, peace, and wisdom in making difficult care decisions. Recite these prayers for hard days.
2. Seek additional support.
Talking with other parent caregivers who get it can help you process your emotions and learn about other available resources.
During this incredibly stressful time, leaning on and learning from increased support can help you cope and plan for how to move forward. Consider seeking these additional resources:
- Caregiver support groups (in-person or online)
- Trainings offered by professionals who specialize in disabilities like lawyers and school advocates
- Disability resource social media groups
- Counseling (See if counseling might help you)
3. Live in the present moment.
Practicing easy stress reduction techniques can greatly reduce your stress.
At the point we’ve done what we reasonably can, it becomes ineffective to worry about those factors out of our control. Worrying raises our stress levels and fuels anxiety and depression. Try one of these simple coping skills:
- Validate your emotions and concerns. Allow yourself to feel. It makes sense you’re experiencing these emotions. Give a voice to your worries and extend yourself compassion.
- Reduce your stress levels. Go for a walk, talk to a friend, whisper a breath prayer, take some deep breaths, relax your muscles, do yoga.
- Practice a mindfulness exercise. When you find yourself worrying about the future, bring your mind back to living in the present moment.
We encourage you to take these 3 steps to cope with the unknown right now: Do what you can, seek additional support, and live in the present moment.
How are you coping with all the chaos? Please share in the comments.
Blessings on your family,
Todd and Kristin
Dr. Todd and Kristin Evans are celebrating 23 years of marriage. They are award-winning authors, national speakers, and special needs parents. Their new book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities has been featured in Christianity Today and Today’s Christian Living. They both earned their MA in Christian Educational Ministries at Wheaton College in Illinois and have served together in full-time ministry in church, camping, and retreat settings. Todd received his PhD from Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering and currently manages his own business, and Kristin earned her MSW from the University of Tennessee and is a Licensed Master Social Worker experienced in couples, child and family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling. They enjoy traveling and the outdoors together.
Disability Parenting