What is depression? It is defined by my dictionary as "sad, dejected, low spirits of vitality, melancholy, feeling hollow inside." You admit you are depressed because you have an autistic child. You have every right to own those feelings and admit how you are feeling. How do you cope?
I am one of those people who felt down, depressed, lost, and felt I was the only person in the world who had a brother who was diagnosed with his disorder. I felt lost and the end of the world was to come.
You may feel depressed as parent(s), caregiver(s) and admit that you do, but, we all have experienced various times in our life when we feel down, low, withdrawn and depressed, for various reasons. Reasons that are out of our control. Such as your child being diagnosed with autism. You should not allow circumstances to control you and allow them to have power over you. By taking that kind of action, you will be drawn into your negative feelings and become powerless.
It is a positive step forward in the right direction now that you have admitted to the fact, that you are depressed. Of course you will feel frustration and distress and perhaps have some of your hopes, plans, dreams, being unfulfilled, due to the news of hearing your child is autistic. That does not mean you will not have the strength to cope.
When things or life does not go according to our plans, it is normal to feel disappointment. Do not trust your thoughts and feelings. That is one way to cope. It appears that your number one enemy is allowing your emotions to dictate your feelings. I know for a fact, that I tend to be led by my emotions and how I feel at times. Depression and all of your emotions can change from each day.
Having an autistic child can bring many emotions of depression. You can learn to cope and make these emotions positive even though you have admitted you are depressed.
It is easy to follow every thought that comes to your mind, because your thoughts and feelings do not dictate the truth to you. You must not allow this to happen. When you give into these feelings and the emotions of depression, because your child is autistic, it will become more difficult for you to cope. Depression is almost always caused by some external experience. Therefore, become aware of the problem, so it does not lead to depression.
Admitting you are depressed because you have a child with the disorder of autism, does not mean you have to stay disappointed or discouraged. I have learned, that it is impossible to be positive and negative, at the same time. It does not work.
Once you admit you are depressed, it is time to learn how to cope and be in control of your emotions. Remember, to cope with depression because your child is autistic, is to realize you will always have feelings; they will never go away, but you can choose to change your feelings so they are making sense with your decisions you make.
It is imperative for you to face the truth that you have a child with autism and take responsibility for your actions, and you will become a stronger person and you will learn to cope.
Are you willing to take inventory of yourself, now that you have admitted you are depressed and want to find out why? Do you want to turn the depression around, so that your emotions become positive? Will you make choices of knowing that each day has opportunities that will help you and your child grow? Will you take action and tell yourself, you will get through the depression, your child is important? Are you willing to seek out other parent(s), caregiver(s), who are going through depression because of the same situation you are involved with?
Your child who has autism, may bring you depression, and you have admitted it, but your child is a blessing and will bring you strength, as well.
"Bonita Darula has an informational website. Be her guest at http://www.autismintoawareness.com if you would like to learn and find out the secret truth about autism. Sign up for your Free Weekly Autism Newsletter."
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