By Emma Grace Brown

When taking care of a special needs child, you sometimes forget about yourself. Parental fatigue can cause issues in most life areas including your sleep, your marriage, and even your ability to empathize with your child and their struggle. The following article presented by My Best Choice Today can help you combat that parental fatigue.

Determine if You’ve Reached Your Burn-Out Point

If you’re not sure whether you’re just a bit tired or reaching the end of your tether, it may be helpful to step back and ask yourself how you’re doing. You want to be honest with yourself when questioning matters like your sleep quality and whether you’re experiencing signs of depression such as irritability, guilt, and helplessness. Question how you feel in your marriage, is your partner supportive enough? Are you content with your parenting skills? Do you feel alone or lack a support system? Have your child’s behavioral issues gotten worse? If you’ve answered “yes” to more than one of these, it’s likely you’re experiencing higher-than-normal fatigue levels.

Combating Parental Fatigue Levels

  • Start practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness exercises can help clear your head and improve your state of mind. These range from a couple of minutes of deep breaths to meditation.
  • Cleaning your home can clear your mind. Simple things such as getting rid of the clutter and giving your home a deep clean can do wonders for your well-being.
  • Seek professional help. Counseling can provide a safe space to fully delve into your feelings and emotions and help fight off your fatigue symptoms.
  • Avoid overdoing it. While self-care is important try to not remove yourself from your responsibilities or overburden your spouse. You can find ways to look after yourself without becoming too reliant on your partner and family members.  If you think you might suffer from mental health issues like anxiety and depression, the first thing to do is set an appointment with your doctor for a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan

Work Toward Achieving Your Goals

  • Start your own side business. Having a personal project such as your own business can give you time away from your role as a carer. If you decide to start a work endeavor, consider setting up an LLC — advantages include tax breaks, lower administration rates, and limited liability. Check your state’s regulations before pursuing this to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
  • Go back to school. Pursuing a degree online is a convenient way to boost up your career. Most online programs allow for self-paced learning, meaning you can fit your studies around your already existing schedule.
  • Find a hobby. Whether it’s photography, gardening, or reading, having a hobby can improve your mood. Find something you’re interested in, and implement it in your weekly routine.

Become the Best Parent You Can Be Through Self-Care

The responsibility of a parent of a special needs child is overwhelming. It’s not surprising that many people find themselves burned out after a while. By first determining if you have fatigue and applying some self-care tips to your life, you can reduce your symptoms and help you better handle your parental responsibilities.