Posted by Carl D (205.188.193.176) on March 30, 2001 at 11:06:46:
In Reply to: I'm depressed posted by shelly on March 29, 2001 at 22:47:47:
Shelly,
You do need to deal with the depression, as it will affect your child. You know how impressionable children are anyway, and they look to thier parents for strength and support. When a child is not feeling well, they look to thier mom or dad for that elevating 'everything will be okay'. If your son sees you are down from this, it will inevitably bring him down, and dealing with CH growing up will be enough to bring him down already. What you have to do is encourage him to be as active and happy as he can possibly be when not in cycle, or not having an attack.
I began having CH's when I was 17. I cannot fathom having them at the age of 3. I do know that it will have an effect on your sons growth. I have been told by so many on this board (even when I was too beat down to hear it), that we gain strength each day, and are stronger than most people could ever be. It is kind of like those spots on your feet that are subject to so much friction. They develope strong, thick callouses. Those areas are stronger than normal skin, and can sustain much more than say, your cheeks. Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying your son will grow up calloused. I am saying that he will be stronger emotionally, and will be able to deal with the different changes in life better than most. What he will need though, is for you to be strong for him.
I think that two people will likely as a result turn out to be very strong people from this; both your son, and you.
And look on the bright side: He will probably have a year or two remission as he grows between episodes, and could outgrow them before he hits his teens. If not, well, we may possibly have either better treatments in the near future, or even a cure for this dreaded affliction. In any case, there is always hope. So be strong. You have two children who will need to draw on your strength as they grow.
Peace and love,
Carl D
P.S. - When you are feeling weak, then lean on us for strength. Trust me, there is alot of strength in numbers, and I am not sure I could have come this far without the strength and support of the wonderful people on this board. You have a family right here.