4 ways to deal with grief when it comes to your child’s diagnosis. There’s an inevitable grief that pours over someone when their child receives a diagnosis. It’s devastating news to hear no matter if you’ve been expecting it, or if you didn’t see it coming. Whether your child is a teenager, if your child is struggling with a mental or physical complication that could affect them for many years, there is no way around the grief. Parents are filled with confusion, pain and learning that their life will be forever changed.
It is a natural part of the process when it comes to receiving a diagnosis, but grief is not the end. For the sake of your family, your spouse and your child, you must move past the pain and strive for something more. It is not fair to allow our child to take on the responsibility of feeling like a burden to the family.
There is no timeline to follow for the perfect number of days, weeks, or years it will take to move from your grief. It will most definitely take effort. Once you move past the shock and awe you will settle and find peace for yourself and the rest of the family.
Here are four steps that will help on your journey through your grief.
-
Digest.
It’s okay to take a step back. Think about what all of this means for your life. Consider the changes that will take place and the bad stuff that will inevitably come. If you think through things better by talking. Ask a friend to meet for coffee. If you organize your thoughts better by writing them out, buy a journal. Whatever the case, find something that will help you shuffle through the mess of thoughts wreaking havoc in your mind, and do it.
-
Adjust your expectations.
He may not be the star of your favorite NFL team. They may not be a prima ballerina, and that’s okay. What can they do? Find the things they like to do. Nature those gifts. Something as little as a smiling contest can highlight their talents, and show them that you enjoy your time together.
-
Remember who your child is.
Think about everything you know and love about them already. What they were like as a baby, and how much they’ve grown since then. Children grow and learn new things every day, so recognize the growth, and take time to enjoy it. No matter the speed. Study their behaviors, give them unconditional love. The world can be harsh for a child. Let your home be a place of safety and love. Take time to listen to their beating heart, and be thankful for what you have.
-
Find community.
Believe it or not, there are people out there who are or who have been where you are right now. Social media has given opportunities to connect with groups of parents across the world or in your own town. Find them. The best part about those groups is that there are parents who have been where you are. There are parents who are even newer to all this than you are. Spend time learning from and encouraging the parents you become connected with. They will be a huge part of the rest of your journey. You will feel connected and plugged in.
Seek the Help You Need Today
Take heed, this will not be easy. recovering from the grief of your child’s diagnosis is extremely difficult. Understand that this is a process. It is not a one-and-done scenario. Your grief will come in waves as your child grows. That’s okay. Grieving is not bad, but make sure to continue to work passed it for your own health and for your family. The journey is long, but it is entirely worth it, so start today. You can do this. Call us at 407-967-1327 today and lets start the work of helping you and your child.
