As a parent of a child with multiple mental illnesses, I know of these episodes. For us, they have been rare. They are usually triggered by medication effects. However, any parent knows that this kind of an episode in their mentally ill child can lead to so much that could go wrong. The things that you hear about on the news, wrong. Let's be honest. It's SCARY. We have had those moments. Although rare, I know the outcome. I have been to the psychiatric hospital with my son. When he was 13 years of age and we were just on our medication journey, my son became psychotic and we had to admit him into a youth facility. It took hours. We went to see the doctor, he talked with my son and I, and advised hospitalization. I was so NOT prepared for that. I thought we could change a med or something. While we waited for his dad to help me tell him, we bought some things he needed, ate lunch, and I tried to act all calm. When his dad arrived, we told him what we were doing. We had to wait for evaluations from insurance companies, doctors, hospitals, and it was hours before we were able to leave. All during this time, we knew we had to keep calm. On the inside, we were freaked out. I understand what an episode like this does to a parent physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Here's the reality. Those episodes happen with mentally ill children. Glimmers of those episodes appear often. It happened in our house today. Just the glimmer of one of these episodes sent a chill into my spine, gave me a lump in my throat, and took my breath away. Although it was a brief, it is a stark reminder. It keeps me on my knees.
How do I handle it, you ask?
1) I tell myself to breathe. It sounds simple, but it's really important! I remain calm so I can evaluate if steps need to be taken. I need to decide if it is just a glimmer, a small, or an full blown episode. I act responsibly to every situation, no matter what it calls for. I have my doctor's cell phone number in my phone and know his instructions for immediate assistance if a situation warranted. We currently are in the middle of medication adjustments and have been for about 1 ½ year. Puberty and hormones, I am sorry to say, have messed up anything that had worked before. Today His doctor and I emailed and talked on the phone to yet again adjust his medications.
2) I also call my support people, my mom and sister. Just telling someone about it helps relieves the stress. They understand. They have walked with me through this for years. It's real important when you are sharing something so sensitive to do it with people you can trust and that understand you, your situation, and your child and won't try to read anything else into the situation. Trust me, it doesn't work to tell people who don't understand or read something else into the situation. I have been there and reaped the outcome of added stress and frustration. My advice is to choose wisely whom you share sensitive information with.
3) It's frustrating and wearisome, but I keep the mission in mind. Helping my son to achieve his highest functioning level possible. It keeps me focused during these seasons. To do whatever it takes, takes courage and determination to help your child. Know the hospital is a place of healing and help for the sick in body and the sick in mind.
So, when your breath gets taken away, remember to breathe. Stay calm. Regroup with support. Keep your mission or purpose in mind.
Sharing my heart,
Lynne
No comments:
Post a Comment