Reducing Anxiety and Depression
due to Uncertainty

"We’re constantly being bombarded by problems that we face and sometimes we can get completely overwhelmed. But we should always feel like a hummingbird. I may feel insignificant, but ... I’ll be a hummingbird, I’ll do the best I can."

What are some emotional challenges of complex needs?

Common concerns…

Are you having trouble coping with unpredictable changes and feeling stressed by a lack of control over the future or potential setbacks? Are you feeling “burnt out” by constant care demands?

Do you struggle with sadness and strong negative thoughts about the future when functioning decreases, difficult symptoms increase, or challenges attending school or attending activities surface?

Does your anxiety about the complex need make you overprotective and focused on staying away from any activities that may introduce new challenges, uncomfortable interactions, or potential safety concerns?
Are you more focused on experiencing only positive things because the complex need is hard enough to manage?

Are you having trouble taking care of your own mental and physical health or your relationship with others while managing the complex need?

How can therapy help me?

Therapy can help…

encourage recognition and communication of feelings that may have been too scary to focus on or share with others

develop greater understanding of helpful and unhelpful coping processes for managing complex needs and related difficulties

set the stage for creating as normal a life as possible for all family members, within constraints of the complex need

provide support and permission to invest in self-care, such as nutrition and exercise, and in rejuvenating activities for yourself and your family members

Almost all families face challenges when a child has a chronic illness or complex need. Chronic stress from medical care and/or specific demands can lead to mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety about the future.

Therapy can provide a safe space to help you feel heard and understood. If you feel more supported, you are better able to take care of yourself and the medical condition or complex need. Using evidence-based treatment strategies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and acceptance encourages the development of coping methods and realistic hope for thriving in adversity. The ultimate goal is to help you and your family handle unexpected roadblocks to find a brighter path forward.

If you are interested in support that encourages positive psychological adjustment as well as family well-being and resilience, please reach out to set up a free 15 minute consultation.