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Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse
Mental Wellness

As discussed in previous articles, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own potential, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a meaningful contribution to their community.

Being a parent or caregiver who has a child with a disability can be challenging physically, emotionally and even socially. Understanding the common challenges that can occur and how to take care of one’s mental wellbeing in this situation can greatly improve one’s mental health as a parent but indirectly improves the quality of life of the child being cared for.

Common challenges faced by parents or caregivers of children with disabilities

Stress and anxiety

The challenges of realising that one’s child has a disability, the guilt and self-blame that may occur, the fear of what will happen in the future can result in anxiety. Anxiety can result in chronic feelings of uneasiness and stress, or can occur as acute panic attacks.

Depression and despair

The grief over what one imagined their child would be able to be and to do in life can be overwhelming and can cause sadness and a sense of despair. Depression can also result in poor sleep, difficulties with appetite, losing motivation and drive, feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, feelings of helplessness, worthlessness and hopelessness and at its worst thoughts of harming oneself or ending one’s life.

Social isolation

Caring for a child with disability can be all encompassing, it may be difficult to attend social gatherings with one’s child, one may feel judged or stigmatised. This can lead to social isolation and loneliness. Loneliness increases the risk of depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges

Caregiver fatigue

Caring for someone who is partially or wholly dependent on you can be emotionally and physically draining. Without proper support and self-care, one can become fatigued or even burnt out.

Difficulties accessing medical care

Getting appropriate care for the challenges of a child with a disability or other comorbidities can be difficult and increase the stress and frustration of parents and caregivers.

Financial difficulties

Costs related to medical care, home-based care, assistive devices, special education and other needs can result in financial strain.

How can we improve mental wellbeing of parents with children with disabilities?

1. Improve awareness about mental health and the importance of mental wellbeing in the community. This will improve mental health literacy and early identification of mental health challenges.
2. Encourage and support a culture of self-care. Families, and friends can arrange for respite days for parents and caregivers to rest, care for personal needs while knowing their child is taken care of.
3. Support groups can help provide a social support network and reduce the sense of isolation and loneliness for parents.
4. Parent training and capacitation to effectively care for a child with disabilities and prevent abuse of children with disabilities.
5. Financial support initiatives for families with children with disabilities, social support grants, adequate insurance cover for disabilities.
6. Provision of comprehensive, integration psychosocial support programmes for families with children with disabilities.

If you think that you or someone that you know may be experiencing a mental health problem, please contact your nearest health care provider and get help.

Association of Health Care Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) article written by Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse, Consultant Psychiatrist.

Feedback: Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse 0777727332, www.ahfoz.org; [email protected]