When the going gets tough, look after yourself!
Not a work focus but a reflection of juggling work and life over the past few weeks as it’s been a struggle.
My daughter has been free of Arthritis for 6 months in remission, but the signs are back with aches, pains and swelling. We have been to the brilliant Sheffield Children’s Hospitals and were seen by the outstanding Rheumatology team.
Outcome, JIA is in full flare and we agreed to start steroid tablets. Roll on 28 days later and a further check-up outcome confirmed the swelling was still active and limited range in joints.
Onto steroid infusion, a large dose in a short time. Add in working parents’ busy jobs and twins this starts to get tricky. Stress levels rising so a level of mindfulness and chill is required.
Luckily I have a great employer and can work flexibly to balance work and life which is a godsend in times like this.
At the end of this week we have finished the steroid infusion and see how we get on in another appointment
A shock!
Last week I got a shock to find out that my biological father had died in 2022. Long story cut short he had a troubled life with major addictions and alcohol dependency, I cut ties with him in 2009. I’ve had a cracking upbringing with all the support I needed from my mum and stepdad who I class as my dad as he’s been the one bringing me up and making me the person I am today. Add this to the busy work and life and a sick child it’s getting pretty close to the limit of my mental health capacity.
A feeling of being overwhelmed, guilt, confusion, sadness and lack of focus, head fog and not able to concentrate and lack of sleep came after.
I knew I had to do something so talked to my family about it to get my head straight and actions of what was needed. After deep reflection I got a plan of what I needed to do to keep myself mentally healthy, this was to reach out for help.
I referred myself to talking therapies and had a call this Monday.
I had the initial call and I was feeling better this week but was good to talk briefly about this in a safe space. I’ve told some and will share when I get over the hump of my experiences. These services are for everyone, please if anyone is struggling reach out and talk. It cleared a weight off my shoulders and gave me some mechanisms to accept what’s going on and whats next.
So grateful to have a good family support network around me and supportive people in my circle of friends and work colleagues.
Rest up dad, glad the pain is over.
