I know it's been a while since I did an update on my boy and his struggles with anxiety. Unfortunately the anxieties haven't gone away, they just change every once in a while. Just when you think one has completely left, you realize it's been shifted to a different area.
That's the way anxiety goes...ask me, I know.
We have hit a couple bumps in the road the last couple months. Poor boy has been rolling with the punches with the busy season and travelling. The weather and all the hiccups that come with the month of December.
We started the Turnaround program again and had him do portions of the workbook also.
He has worked so hard on this program and you can see that he has made some progress in using the tools he has learned. Of course, when you are in the throes of panicking, there are times you simply forget the tools and have a meltdown.
I just can't help but marvel at the fact that he is only 8 years old, and all things considered, handles this burden very well.
I see that he is tired and more irritable this past month. Partly because it takes a lot of energy to combat anxiety and partly because the month of December is packed with fun stuff that keeps us up past our bedtimes!
The thing is, the tools from Turnaround are absolutely helpful. It's very easy to follow and visualize the techniques (extremely important for children) and lays a strong foundation for the CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) that is an integral part of dealing with anxiety.
I mentioned before that this program has blown the doors off of his anxiety in a way. We knew he was struggling, but there were times that he was really wrestling with it that we hadn't recognized. This has opened up our dialog on the subject and he's not hesitant to say, "Mom, I'm worried."
We can then dissect that worry. Take it down to it's most base level and then often times he can see that the worry is silly.
For some reason, even though I knew better, I was semi expecting his anxieties to lessen. I was thinking that perhaps he would see that there was no reason to get worked up about certain things, so maybe he wouldn't. That's not the case. Shame on me for falling into the hole that I knew was going to be there!
Yes, he has tools to deal with the anxiety now, and that is helpful. I just wish more than anything that it would go away altogether.
We are looking forward (with some optimism) to 2012 and what it may bring. We hope to kick this anxiety in the ass. We will continue to use the Turnaround tools to combat it. We are also keeping our minds open to other avenues of help.
I look forward to keeping you updated with good news and a lot of progress!
That's the way anxiety goes...ask me, I know.
We have hit a couple bumps in the road the last couple months. Poor boy has been rolling with the punches with the busy season and travelling. The weather and all the hiccups that come with the month of December.
We started the Turnaround program again and had him do portions of the workbook also.
He has worked so hard on this program and you can see that he has made some progress in using the tools he has learned. Of course, when you are in the throes of panicking, there are times you simply forget the tools and have a meltdown.
I just can't help but marvel at the fact that he is only 8 years old, and all things considered, handles this burden very well.
I see that he is tired and more irritable this past month. Partly because it takes a lot of energy to combat anxiety and partly because the month of December is packed with fun stuff that keeps us up past our bedtimes!
The thing is, the tools from Turnaround are absolutely helpful. It's very easy to follow and visualize the techniques (extremely important for children) and lays a strong foundation for the CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) that is an integral part of dealing with anxiety.
I mentioned before that this program has blown the doors off of his anxiety in a way. We knew he was struggling, but there were times that he was really wrestling with it that we hadn't recognized. This has opened up our dialog on the subject and he's not hesitant to say, "Mom, I'm worried."
We can then dissect that worry. Take it down to it's most base level and then often times he can see that the worry is silly.
For some reason, even though I knew better, I was semi expecting his anxieties to lessen. I was thinking that perhaps he would see that there was no reason to get worked up about certain things, so maybe he wouldn't. That's not the case. Shame on me for falling into the hole that I knew was going to be there!
Yes, he has tools to deal with the anxiety now, and that is helpful. I just wish more than anything that it would go away altogether.
We are looking forward (with some optimism) to 2012 and what it may bring. We hope to kick this anxiety in the ass. We will continue to use the Turnaround tools to combat it. We are also keeping our minds open to other avenues of help.
I look forward to keeping you updated with good news and a lot of progress!
20 comments:
Move to TX. I work with a fabulous child psychologist!
Every day as he matures I think he will be able, more and more, to use the tools you have given him.
The way he understands things now will be somewhat different as he grows and he will be able to put them to use in a new way.
Good job to all of you.
I know I've told you this before....but he is so lucky to have you for a Mom.
I'm so proud of everything you're doing with him!
Love you!
The fact that, at age 8, he's able to EXPRESS how he's feeling is huge. Like, GIGANTIC huge! Most grown men can't do that, much less little boys. You're such an awesome mom! (and blogger, and bloggy friend)
Awe no one can blame you for hoping and wishing that we all would. But yes, so awesome he is learning to express it more! That is huge
I always wish for some sort of magical solution. SIGH.
hang in there, girl.
You're starting out the new year with a great attitude. Keep at it and continue to be hopeful. We'll be praying for you and your family. Stay strong.
You are such a wonderful mom, Mimi! Prayer is powerful therefore I'll keep praying! Stay positive!
i'm so glad you have the tools to deal with it now.
MIMI! You are SUCH a good mom. Seriously. I got a lump in my throat reading this knowing how lucky your son is to have you.
Well, maybe over time, with this program and your encouragement and support, he may eventually be able to do away with most of his anxieties. Maybe not. But one thing's for sure...you are both stepping in the right direction.
Just the fact that he can express his emotions and verbalize his fears to you is HUGE. I don't think my 7-year old son, who can be an anxious child, can verbalize his emotions to me that well.
Hang in there...you're doing great!! And so is he!
You are really handling it well, and the fact that he is voicing when he feels it is a HUGE thing! Seriously.
You are an awesome mama & he really is an AWESOME kid! ♥
He is in good hands with you, and it's great that you have such good communication with him. I feel like I have to drag feelings sometimes out of Joshua. He's a talker, but I don't think he shares when he is sad.
He is one lucky kid to have you as a mom!
Wow, what an incredible burden to carry. And how lucky he is to have the tools to deal with it, and a safe loving environment in which to dissect and overcome said burden. I am impressed with the both of you.
love love love that he now has the words that he needs to start a dialogue. having that door wide open for communication is paramount. it is obvious that he trusts you with his fears and concerns. you are an awesome mama and it shows!
I'm sorry that he (and you) have this struggle! But I love that you have found some tools to help.
I'm still keeping you both in my prayers!
You are such a good mom. I don't know how I would deal with an anxiety disorder with my girls. You're a good role model. :)
Having the tools and the words is a huge help in the battle. Good luck this year with your sweet boy!
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