Typical Caregiver Stress or More Serious Mental Health Symptoms?

Distinguishing between typical caregiver stress or more serious mental health symptoms can be a challenge for special needs parents. As a guest blogger on Different Dream Living, I provide guidance about how to tell the difference and what to do once you know the difference.

“Beep, beep beep! Beep beep!”

My groggy eyes darted to the red numbers on the vitals monitor. Heart rate high. Oxygen too low.

Dragging myself out from the covers, I secured the oxygen tubing under my daughter’s tiny nose. Then I gazed at Bethany Grace’s doll-like face. So beautiful yet so fragile. Crawling back into bed, I prayed for another two-hour block of sleep.

Like a zombie, I trudged through the nonstop care and rehab therapies for my daughter for months. I began to find myself sitting in a corner on the floor more days than not.

I can’t do this much longer. I’m so overwhelmed. No one can understand what I’m going through...

Read at Different Dream Living

If you are in crisis or worried about your safety, call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or go to your nearest emergency room.

Resources

Read more about mental health and special needs parenting

To learn more about your symptoms visit NIMH

Find help at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Find a mental health professional in your area

Go to the SAMHSA National Helpline

Kristin Faith Evans, MA, MS, LMSW

Kristin is an author, a speaker, a mental health therapist, and a special needs mom. Her greatest passion is walking with others on their journey to deeper faith and emotional healing. As a Licensed Masters Social Worker and with her Masters in Christian Education, she has served in youth, camping, and retreat ministries and is experienced in Christian counseling, couples and family therapy, substance abuse treatment, and crisis counseling. Kristin lives with her husband, Todd, and their two children in the Nashville, TN area. When she is not enjoying life with her family, writing or working with clients, you can find Kristin training for triathlons, reading, or simply being out in nature. Visit her author website at www.KristinFaithEvans.com.

 *The contents of this article are intended for informational purposes only and not a substitute for seeking professional mental health or medical advice.