I spend so much time talking about the kids and everything regarding family life, I think sometimes I just forget that I need to look after myself as well. It’s something others are always telling me, but always ends up being the last thing on my list.
I’d neglected myself for so long, a few months ago everything came to a head and I ended up having therapy sessions again. I won’t share here what led to it, and maybe at some point I’ll be able to share any ways in which it helped. What I do know is that sometimes it can really be a case of trial and error to find that something that really helps.
Everyone really is different, and what one person finds helps to keep them calm, keep some sense of self and generally pick themselves up. Right now it seems like so many of us are struggling, whether that’s because of the weather, finances, or like many SEN parents, the lack of support that can literally leave us feeling like we’re drowning.
When you spend your whole time caring for others and putting everyone else’s needs before yourself it really can get too much. But it’s important to take time for yourself. This is going to sound like one of those instances where I probably need to take my own advice as I’m still terrible when it comes to taking care of my own needs. Mostly because I’m always thinking about whether that will have an impact on those around me, particularly with the kids. The reality is that the kids would benefit from a less stressed version of myself, and others around me, if in someway they are triggered by me trying to be a better version of me then they aren’t really the sort of people I need around me.
It isn’t just about therapy, for most people finding your calm space can help avoid therapy and medication, but even if this is where you end up, you need to make sure that you have something that can help. It gives you that little bit of time to reflect, have a breather, or literally escape from reality for even just 5 minutes.
For everyone it’s going to be different. Some people are crafty, for me, cooking/baking is usually my escape, although in recent years this has been more stressful. Or when the weather permits, nothing beats a nice walk, there really is a lot of benefits from being able to get out in the fresh air, not just your mental health, but your overall health. But whether it’s losing yourself in a good book, dancing round the kitchen to your favourite music, or whatever else you enjoy doing. Let’s all take this time to really focus more on ourselves.
Don’t forget to share all your tips so we can try to help each other, and if anyone needs someone to reach out to, my inbox on all socials is always open.
Life as a SEN mum 
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