I'll try not to drip feed and get to the point. My DH has Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. I don't know why but I feel I need to point out both of these were diagnosed after we had children.
I love my DH but, I have to admit supporting him, watching for triggers, changing plans, trying to be one step of him and adapting day to day life around his moods etc is hard work.
We have 2 DC. Our DD who is 7, has been hard work for around 4 years, and I had always put it down to being naughty, or stress at home, her being strong willed etc. The last few months however have been horrific. We have had problems with school, at home, with friends, while we are out, she has regular meltdowns lasting hours. (We live in Germany, so things are dealt with quicker anyway) Everything has come to a head, and our doctor has told us she strongly suspects that our DD has ADHD and ODD, this is an 'unofficial' diagnosis at present but is the 'working theory'. DD has had an assessment by a psychologist and our doctor will consult with them prior to Thursday, when we will meet with the psychologist to discuss the diagnosis and a way forward.
I am a stay at home mum, but to be honest, I struggle with having very little 'me' time, no social life, and general loneliness and a whole lot on my shoulders. The news that DD may have mental health issues is just so over whelming for me at the moment and I am sort of dreading Thursday. My heart breaks every time she has a bad day, all the struggles she goes through, how traumatic every day life can be for her. On the one hand I am hoping a diagnosis will mean finding a way forward, but on the other hand I am struggling to think how on earth I will cope with not only DH but DD needing so much support from me, and I don't know how I can keep up with it all. Not to mention our poor DS who just seems to always go on the back burner which is just an awful feeling.
Is there anyone in a similar situation? Or just able to reassure me things get better?