What can you do for yourself?
Dr. Karin, Clinical Psychologist and Dr. Ugyen Dem, Psychiatric from JDWNRH visited Ability Bhutan Society on 27th June to talk with the parents about how to cope up with their struggles.
Often people think that disability is a disease and is an embarrassment to the society. They sometimes forget that people with disabilities like any other people have the potential to utilize their abilities. A person does not have to be able to walk to sing, do not have to be able to talk to paint, see to be a researcher or hear to be an athlete. Disability is not a disease, but it is any condition of the body or mind that makes it difficult to do certain activities. Dr. Karin said that parents are sometimes too focused on their child, keeping a schedule on what to do and what not to, expecting quick progress and trying to make them perfect when they already are. In this process, they usually end up ‘not living’ and losing the days they could spend having fun together. She narrated a story of her son with a disability and sharing what she had realized. Instead of hiding away from the world, it is best to come forward and share for the benefit of one’s child and for oneself. Parents who have children with disabilities are more likely to fall into depression as per the research. So, when there is any anxiety or restlessness, it is important to know that it is a sign of depression. In order to avoid going further into depression, it is important to seek medical help immediately at the initial stage. Most people tend to drink alcohol to ease their pain and have a sound sleep. It may benefit for few days but the more one drinks alcohol, the more one becomes addicted to it and hampers their health further. One way of coping up is to write or think of three good things that has happened/achieved in a day. Dr. Karin said, “when my son came home from school, he would have food smudged all over his shirt. I would be happy since I would know what he ate during lunch time and that at least he ate something.” Keeping to oneself isn’t a solution but only brings more pain. Sharing and coming up with ways to help one another is vital.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Karin, Clinical Psychologist and Dr. Ugyen Dem, Psychiatric for visiting ABS and extending your support.
