As a Autism parent, my status quo is stressed out and overwhelmed. I think you’d be hard pressed to find an Autism parent who doesn’t feel this way from time to time. It’s important to understand that many of the things that we worry about on a daily basis as Autism Parents, are unique to Autism parents. That can make it harder for people to understand.
Lately, I’ve had days where I’m so overwhelmed, stressed out and worried about things I have zero control over, it feels like I’m drowning.
Other times it can feel like I’m being crushed under the weight of everything I have to carry each day.
Getting up in the morning can be very difficult sometimes because I already know that today will be more of what overwhelmed me yesterday. Even the most optimistic person can and will struggle under this amount of life.
I have so many things to worry about right now and it feels like I can’t breathe.
In this moment I’m worrying about guardianship of my son, figuring out how to deal with the nationwide shortage of the medication that replaces his broken immune system, bills, groceries, utilities, replacing our dying car and my family’s safety in our unsafe neighborhood.
It weighs heavy….
I wrote a huge thing and then realized I could summarize it. Work on the things you CAN change that need to be fixed RIGHT AWAY. Put all other things on the back burner for a day, a week, a month.
PUT what you aren’t working on in a mental “not now, I can’t worry about this until whenever” folder.
It may seem impossible but it helps. I know because I am the #1 worrywart.
We’re rooting for Gavin and you and your family, Rob!
Really good advice Becky. I suspect at times it’s easier said than done but I will take it to heart. ☺