Feelings of grief and anxiety are a normal part of adjusting to caring for a child living with Spina Bifida. There will be changes that you will need to make to areas of your life to help you raise your child.
Finding out that your child has Spina Bifida can cause mixed emotions and lead to lifestyle changes. These changes may disrupt your current family routine and can cause stress to other family relationships. You may have some anxiety about dealing with change. You may have worries for what the future may hold for you, your child and your family.
Another common reaction to learning your child has Spina Bifida are feelings of grief and loss of what could have been. You may have a range of different emotions such as shock, guilt, anger, sadness, fear, blame and loneliness. You may grieve the loss of your original plans as parents and your child’s future.
Here are some ways to help manage emotions and changes to your family routine.
Being informed and organised
Some fears and worries occur due to a lack of accurate information. Having a good understanding of Spina Bifida will help create a feeling of control. Being informed reduces worry due to “not knowing.”
Learning about Spina Bifida will help you cope with the uncertainty of the condition and explore options to help your child. Write down questions you have to discuss with your doctor and ask for information.
You may have lots of new information, medical appointments and things to remember now. Think about what type of organisational skills you already have. The use of calendars or diaries may help you feel more organised and in control.
Focus on the positive
Children living with Spina Bifida have many strengths and abilities. With the right medical care and follow-up, they have opportunities for a great quality of life.
Children may have challenges in areas of mobility, bladder and bowel control. Families with a positive approach to raising their children will experience less anxiety and cope and adjust better to challenges.
Accept support
Accept the support of trusted family and friends and work with your child’s treating health team to figure out the management strategies that work best for you, your child and family.
Accepting support will help you create a network to lean on during hard times. Feeling like you are on your own may lead to higher unnecessary levels of distress and anxiety. This will affect the whole family unit. Some families find being involved with parent support groups very useful and a helpful forum for gaining skills and sharing experiences.
Social workers, psychologists and your treating team are available to talk through issues with you. A support network in the community can help to strengthen your family and help you adapt to change.
While anxiety, grief and loss are normal reactions when you find out your child has Spina Bifida, these feelings should reduce with time. If you experience prolonged anxiety, feel overly worried or sad, it is best to seek support to help you overcome these feelings and try new or different strategies to manage.
Outside your 'caring role'
Research has shown families who maintain their own interests outside of a “caring role,” report high levels of resilience, and long-term ability to adapt and cope to all of life’s challenges.
It is important not to ignore your own physical and mental health needs and create balance in your family life.