Help...

[nellyboo2]

My son was taken from me (temporarily) on Friday. I’m at a loss...
suffered with mental health most of my life and Friday was a huge cry for help and a wake up call...
Basically, I’m a great mother; but because I’ve been ill with a cough and dealing with a dog that shits everywhere, the day to day things haven’t been done for three weeks or so. Add in a crisis and my son is now with my mother.
Don’t actually know what to do, other than to follow Social Services guidelines and do as I’m told... I just want my son back.
Dog out of the house for the time being and I’m doing my best to clean up!!
Advice and help greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I've not got any experience with SS, but following their advice seems like a good plan. What support do you have for your MH? Getting yourself well needs to be your priority, then everything else will fall back into place.

No family support. Friends live miles away but are there to chat with. I’m already having counselling. CBT lined up too (already sorted prior to my son being taken away). Due to see a physio regarding another issue. On antibiotics for my evil cough. On anew antidepressant that knocks me out (need to review this Monday with gp).
House is getting back to normal, but being one person it’s slow going.
Treating this as a ‘holiday’. I needed time away from my son, and it’s the perfect opportunity to sort out his toys!
But I’m feeling like the worst mother in the world and I miss my child like crazy.

You are not a bad Mum, you are a poorly Mum. Right now you are too poorly to look after your son, which is really tough, but not your fault. Glad your GP is helping you get better. I'm on Mirtazapine which knocked me out for the first few weeks, but it has got easier.

That’s what I’m on. I took it for the first time last night and slept for 15 hours.

It definately knocked me out to start with, but it got easier after the first couple of weeks. What dose are you on? My CPN said that the sedative effect is worse at 15mg than 30mg my GP said this was rubbish but now I'm coming off them and have gone back onto 15 it's knocking me out more again. Worth knowing for your review.

I’m on 15mg

Things have calmed down with the antidepressants which is great... however I’m now looking at 4 months before I get my son back... or I face court... and if I go to court, it’s my understanding that I won’t have access to legal aid and therefore can’t represent myself and may lose my baby permanently. Advice????!!!!

Aw that's a long time OP I assume you still get to see him though?

I am nearly completely sure you can get legal aid for care proceedings cases, or at least if you are on a low income. Citizens Advice might have some info.

I do still get to see him; the legal aid thing might’ve been on a technicality or something. Just something my solicitor mentioned...

What the heck do I do?!! SS asked me to tidy the house, get better mentally and physically, which I’ve done... antidepressants have done a fucking fantastic job! I’m back to normal just without my cub.

Hmm I'd certainly expect legal aid otherwise it would be really unfair if parents couldn't afford representation and social services could!

I think all you can do is keep doing what you are doing and show that you can consistently look after yourself/house etc for the time period they've suggested

The house feels so cold and lonely without my baby

Get rid of the dog and clean up, it's not nice living with dog poo everywhere. Do everything possible to get your son back. Good luck.

Dog gone. Cleaned up days ago.

There wasn’t dog poo everywhere I should add. Dog was in a crate, so any mess was contained. I’m not the sort of person that lives with animal mess everywhere...

I’m getting my cub back on Monday 😃

Wow, that was a turnaround! Excellent news, well done! 🎉

My son is home and safe in my arms. Thank you for your advice and support.