What to do in the first period after a diagnosis?

In the first weeks or months, parents often feel overwhelmed by information, doctors' appointments and emotions. During this time it is very important to allow yourself to pause and not demand the impossible of yourself.

1. Give yourself time

You do not have to come to terms with the whole situation in a single day. Emotions can change — one day there will be hope, another day tiredness or anger. That is normal.

Psychologists emphasise that, in the long term, suppressing emotions can increase the risk of burnout and anxiety. (mdpi.com)

2. Don't isolate yourself

Many parents withdraw into themselves at first, because it seems that no one around them understands. Yet it is precisely conversations with people going through a similar situation that often help the most.

It is important to find people you can talk to without feeling that you have to explain every emotion or fear.

3. Look for trustworthy information

There is a great deal of conflicting information online that can frighten parents even more. That is why it is important to rely on trustworthy sources and to work with specialists.

You don't have to do everything at once. Step by step.

Why is a support network so important?

Research shows that parents who receive emotional and social support adapt to the new situation much more easily and are less likely to experience burnout or symptoms of depression.

A support network can include:

• family;
• friends;
• other parents;
• rehabilitation specialists;
• a psychologist;
• associations and parent communities;
• social workers;
• teachers.

Sometimes even one person who says "I understand" is enough.

Looking after yourself matters for your child too

Parents very often devote all their energy to their child, forgetting about their own emotional health. Yet prolonged stress and overload affect both mental and physical health.

Studies have concluded that parents of children with functional impairments are at increased risk of burnout and anxiety.

This does not mean that the parents are weak. It only means that they have long been living under a heightened emotional load.

That is why it is important to:

• get enough sleep when possible;
• accept help;
• find time for yourself;
• talk about your emotions;
• seek psychological support;
• allow yourself not to be perfect.

A child does not need perfect parents. A child needs parents who are allowed to be human themselves.

Where to find help in Latvia?

In Latvia there are organisations and people who can help not only practically, but also emotionally.

Useful resources for families

• The association "Latvian Children with Motor Disabilities" — support for families, information, a community and the chance to meet other parents with similar experiences.
• The Children's Hospital Foundation- help for families, rehabilitation support and psychological assistance.
• The National Rehabilitation Centre "Vaivari"- specialist consultations and rehabilitation.
• The Dardedze Centre- psychological support for children and parents.
• The Ministry of Welfare- information about social support and services.

You don't have to be strong every day

Many parents say later that at first it seemed they would never be able to come to terms with the new situation. But over time, families find their rhythm, learn to adapt and gradually regain a sense of security.

The most important thing to remember is that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. And no family has to walk this path alone.