Selfcare when DC is in adolescent unit

[MrsAlgernon]

Does it even exist?

First few weeks have been a blur of endless phone calls, meetings, daily drives to hospital. And full-time working at pathetic fraction of the usual capacity.

We are lucky we are getting good practical advice support from private therapist about navigating the system, even though she was originally intended for my DC.

Having great communication with the hospital helps too.

We have other DCs which I try to keep life normal and constantly show affection for, but I know they feel how totally consumed I am by DC in hospital and how visiting DC in hospital can affect my moods.

I love how some use knitting or crocheting to wind down, but I am just doing mindless app games on my phone. I'd love to switch to something else a bit more creative.

How are you doing balancing things in similar situation?

First of all, these are horrible circumstances to be in and I'm so sorry 💐

I think you do what you need to, to cope. Mindless scrolling on my phone works for me, I tried crotchet but it didn't help!

If you can afford to, let yourself get all the little treats you'd like. For me, it was stopping in at Starbucks for my favourite sugar laden hot drink on the way to the care unit. I ordered way more takeaways than usual. I cut myself slack on last minute Amazon orders, and even paid money for extra coins on the stupid game on my phone! I think at the time I dipped into a savings pot to have more 'fun' money but it was worth it.

Overall just listen to yourself and your needs. As a parent it's really easy to shove those feelings down, especially when life is rough, and judge yourself for wanting/craving really basic stuff! Give yourself as much grace as possible, and treat yourself and your mental health as a priority sometimes - not just an afterthought xx Good luck! X