Mothers With Disability & Mental Illness

[TupeloHoney]

I'm hoping to start a group for other women coping with disability or mental illness who are also going through parenthood (or are planning to.) I want to create a comfortable place to talk about triumphs, fears, woes, frustrations... For a multitude of challenges.

I know, for certain, that having autism certainly makes me question about my potential as a parent, someday.

 

[katix333]

i have bi-polar disorder, i was only diagnosed around 6 months ago but would have been suffering since about 10-11 xx

 

[Leopard]

i have a few mental issues (depression, OCD, ADHD, severe anxiety, personality disorder etc) and also severe scoliosis and arthritis.

Expecting my first, and I understand the doubts about being a good mum.

Thanks for starting such a lovely thread..

 

[TupeloHoney]

I have alot of problems coping with anxiety - for me, it goes in hand with my ASD. I get overwhelmed so easily, over nothing and everything. I get both over and under stimulated. I also have to consider about how I'll maintain a relationship with the potential father, when the time comes, because I've never been an easy person to get along (though I never know quite why.) I get worried about not being able to take proper care of myself when I have an infant who needs me even more.

I've actually been concerned about my scoliosis, when it comes to childbirth. I had a moderate S-shaped curve which was treated with a Boston brace. Does your doctor have any concerns about your pregnancy, in relation to having scoliosis?

On another note, I'm glad to hear to hear a response from all of you! I can only hope that more of us will join the conversation.

 

[electrokitty]

Artritis, epilepsy, depression and BPD.

We're TTC atm and i can assure you it's actually doing my health some good.

 

[TupeloHoney]

For those expecting or already with children, how do you cope with your condition? Are there any strategies you use for yourself or your children?

Moms-to-be, what are your greatest concerns about being a mother with a disability?

 

[aidensxmomma]

I have borderline personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I am also a mommy of a 3 year old and a 2 year old, with another on the way.

I didn't actually get diagnosed with most of it until my first two kids were already born, but I've been treated for depression for about 7 years and I was originally (mis)diagnosed as bi-polar, so I was treated for that for about 5-6 years. I went in to get a proper diagnosis early this year, in March.

As for coping, in all honestly, I'm not sure how I do. It's just something that was extremely important to me and I somehow found an "inner strength" that helps me deal with everything. I know that sounds really cliche, but that's the best way to describe it.

If it's any reassurance, even my psychiatrist is amazed that I am able to cope so well with my kids and am able to control myself so well around them. It's just something about being a mom that makes me so much more aware of everything I say, do, and think. And I'm sure it's the same thing for a lot of mothers.

I'm really, really glad that you made this thread. I've never really talked much about being a mother with mental illness, or really my mental illnesses at all, so this has been nice for me.

 

[mamaofthree]

Hey, I have severe arthritis, pgp, osteochondritis, and am under going tests for autoimmune issues. I think no matter how tired or in pain i am, i remind myself how lucky i am to have these babies, and how important it is that they develop well rounded. I find something positive about each day (if i can !) so as not to wish it away...as i am aware of how quickly they are growing, and sn they will become independant. Also chores can wait! Happy mummy, and babies is all that counts!xxx

 

[TupeloHoney]

Alright, I'm throwing another question out at 'cha: Are any of you single parents?

 

[aidensxmomma]

Alright, I'm throwing another question out at 'cha: Are any of you single parents?

I'm not. I've been in a relationship with my OH for almost 4 1/2 years now. We're actually getting married next month.

I do have to take care of the kids on my own a lot now, though. My OH is gone for 6 days at a time at his job and then only gets 2 days at home with us. It was really hard for all of us to adjust because before he got the job he's at now, we all lived together.

 

[Leopard]

Nope not single here, marrying my fiance in March next year

 

[mamaofthree]

no, I'm engaged (but no signs of a wedding just yet lol) x

 

[TupeloHoney]

One of my scariest problems is that I have suicidal tendancies. In the last year alone, I've been in in-patient twice. I'm afraid of being a poor mother or scaring my children if I continue to have these problems. I also get concerned when I think about my emotional immaturity and sensory issues, as I get overwhelmed easily. I used to teach pre-school, though, and was pretty good about keeping my cool around the kids. But I wonder if I could handle it 24/7, as a parent.

What are your greatest challenges or worries?

 

[kittylady]

Heya, I have aspergers and AD/HD and it does worry me sometimes when considering TTC but I've had my nephews around and have a wonderful hubby so I try to be hopeful

 

[can2012]

I have bi-polar disorder. I was diagnosed 2 years ago after I had a manic episode, which I don't remember but my family told me about everything that went on during the episode. I haven't had any episodes since. When I was diagnosed they put me on a lot of different medications and then i decided to stop taking them. Sometimes I can tell when something about myself is not right and I just tell my fiance and he helps me get through it. I don't know if its hereditary or not because my grandfather had it also. But sometimes I am afraid that I might pass it to my child/children or one day out of nowhere I will have another episode.
Is anyone else have Bipolar Disorder and feel the same way?

 

[TupeloHoney]

I have bi-polar disorder. I was diagnosed 2 years ago after I had a manic episode, which I don't remember but my family told me about everything that went on during the episode. I haven't had any episodes since. When I was diagnosed they put me on a lot of different medications and then i decided to stop taking them. Sometimes I can tell when something about myself is not right and I just tell my fiance and he helps me get through it. I don't know if its hereditary or not because my grandfather had it also. But sometimes I am afraid that I might pass it to my child/children or one day out of nowhere I will have another episode.
Is anyone else have Bipolar Disorder and feel the same way?

I don't have bi-polar, but I do worry about passing on autism to my children.

 

[aidensxmomma]

One of my scariest problems is that I have suicidal tendancies. In the last year alone, I've been in in-patient twice. I'm afraid of being a poor mother or scaring my children if I continue to have these problems. I also get concerned when I think about my emotional immaturity and sensory issues, as I get overwhelmed easily. I used to teach pre-school, though, and was pretty good about keeping my cool around the kids. But I wonder if I could handle it 24/7, as a parent.

What are your greatest challenges or worries?

My greatest worry is that my children will end up with something I have. I would never, ever want that for them.

However, it does reassure me some that if they were to end up with one (or more) of the same problems I have that I would 1. be able to "catch" it quicker because I can recognize symptoms and 2. be able to relate to and help them more because I know exactly what they're going through.

 

[Leopard]

MW did a pre-natal depression test with me and I have prenatal depression, a high risk of PND as well just to top off my other multitude of problems. Lovely

 

[aidensxmomma]

MW did a pre-natal depression test with me and I have prenatal depression, a high risk of PND as well just to top off my other multitude of problems. Lovely

Have they talked to you about your options for managing depression while you're pregnant? I know there are some anti-depressants you can take while pregnant, if it's an option you'd consider.

 

[Leopard]

She's referred me to mental health, so I go see them tomorrow.