Recognising and admitting that you need help isn't easy. If you are supporting a loved one who has a learning disability, you may feel a variety of emotions, but it is vital to recognise that you are not alone.
In a candid conversation about mental health, Jo Allmond discusses her own experience of being a parent to Jess, who has a learning disability, her initial fears of not being able to cope when Jess received her diagnosis and the feelings of guilt that followed in our latest episode the MacIntyre Families Podcast.
Jess has a learning disability, as well as some impaired sight and physical disabilities. Speaking to Nicola Payne, MacIntyre's Family Engagement Consultant during the podcast, Jo shared how she felt following Jess' initial diagnosis:
"I was feeling guilt, thinking 'was it something I had done?'. Parents do feel that guilt. Incidences would pressure the way I was thinking and my mental capacity, making me wonder whether I was going to be able to cope. I remember saying 'I'm not sure I can actually cope with this', but you do.”
Reflecting on her experiences, Jo added:
"Don't be ashamed to admit you are struggling. Don't be afraid to ask for help."
You can listen to the full episode below.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Matt Haig “Reasons to stay alive” http://www.matthaig.com/books/reasons-to-stay-alive-2/
- https://lifeas-pland.com/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
- https://booksbeyondwords.co.uk/
- https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/
- https://www.mind.org.uk/
- MacIntyre's Let's Come Together support group
