I know my kids have struggled at times in their lives too and could see it when they were. Problem is that sometimes we as people do just think that we need to just "buck up" and get over whatever is getting us down. Depression is real and I'm so thankful that our family has gotten through ours for the most part. However, we or at least I have had my eyes opened at how serious depression can be and how it needs to be addressed and handled when you notice it. I had to be kicked in the gut to notice the severity of it with Jared. I'm thankful for that "kick"....much better than what could have happened.
I am thankful for a friend that made me a list of things to do and even people to contact. Even though not everything panned out on the list it got me going and led me to the help we have needed. This is what has happened so far:
*We got Jared on some vitamins right away. (the friend that made the list gave us some vitamins to get us started) I don't really agree with Medication since I feel like a lot of the time meds just mask the outer problem. I would rather go more natural and heal the "core" of the problem and I like what we have done. (will tell in a minute)
*We informed each of our kids about what was happening so that we can all be more sensitive, loving and caring.
*I've talked to Jared over and over about how we all have problems. He is not alone but in his mind he believes he is the only one that makes mistakes. I have even shared some of my weaknesses with him so that he will realize none of us are perfect and we all make mistakes. I also have stressed that life is a big test and we will always make mistakes but because of those mistakes we grow and can handle what will come next. Even though things are frustrating and hard we need them to become better.
*I talked to the school and got a support team going for Jared. I messaged his teachers a few times asking them to encourage Jared and to just acknowledge his presence.
*I called and talked to a nurse that gave me numbers and places to go for help. (was on my list given to me by my friend)
*I called counseling places and was ready to give up on that until I talked to some of my friends. Places are so worried about how you are going to pay for treatment and since our insurance stinks and the places I talked to don't even take our insurance they didn't want to help me. But after talking with my friends I knew I needed to call Social Services and do whatever I had to do to get Jared in to talk with a counselor. We got in quick and Jared looks forward to going again.
*I am taking Jared to a chiropractor that does "energy" work. I remembered about him because of different things said and meeting with others. Dr. Gauruder muscle tests Jared to see if we are giving him the right things. The "spirit" knows what the body needs. (subconsciousness) With this doctor many areas are addressed and worked on. I know many might think this way is Hocus Pocus but it "feels" right to me. I love watching as the body and spirit heal....I can see it happen. After the first visit even I felt better.....like a heavy load had been lifted from me....I felt happier. The next visit was more with emotions and broke my heart just a little but I was glad that those things can be addressed and healed. It's a process and will take more visits and more time and money but I feel blessed to be going here.
*I am able to get Jared in for professional testing so that he can get a 504 that will help him succeed the rest of his school years. I'm actually looking forward to the test since I just thought Jared had ADD but had no idea he really had something wrong with his memory. There might be more that we aren't aware of and if not at least we will know what my son needs.
*I talked to his Church leaders so that they will be more mindful of my son. This is real and hiding this problem isn't a way to help with it. I know that most people keep these things "private" because they are embarrassing and for some reason we take them so personal like we must be doing something wrong if we or our family has depression. I don't say it around Jared but still feel like others that work with him need to know. That is even why I am putting it here. It's real and Jared isn't the first to experience it and he won't be the last and I was thankful for a list to help me know how to start.
