Emotional and Physical Challenges

In this section, you will learn how to deal with emotional and physical challenges at home.

The learning objectives for this section are:

Identify more effective ways to parent with mental and/or physical challenges.
Identify at least five self-care activities you could put into practice in your life.

Image of a wife embracing her husband who is looking worried.

Introduction

Mental health disorders, as well as physical injuries, may affect the level of stress in the home. Using the tips and strategies in this section, and some focused time and effort, you can successfully adjust to a new pattern of parenting to reduce stress in both of these areas.

Select the Play Button to watch how Edwin’s family managed stressful times.

Image of a disabled soldier embracing his daughter

Parenting with Emotional and Physical Challenges

Physical and mental health issues stemming from injuries may impact your parenting. Whether you are struggling with PTSD, depression or another mental health issue, they all can impact the way you parent.

Empowering yourself as a parent while facing these challenges is not easy. In this section, we will hear from two parents facing issues such as:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Chronic Back Pain
Mild TBI

Select the Learn More Button to hear their stories.

Patrick’s Story

Patrick has been struggling with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) since losing his two closest buddies in Iraq.

Select Video 1 to listen to Patrick's story and Video 2 for reactions from his children, Dominic, Sarah, and Frank.

The 4 Phases to Recovery

Patrick knew something was wrong. His wife wanted him to get help, but Patrick worried how it would impact his career.

There are four phases commonly found on the path to improved parenting. They are:

Talking about the problem.
Recognizing your feelings.
Strengthening your relationships.
Making a plan to take of yourself.

Let’s begin with Phase One. Select Each Step to view the details.

Prepare by doing your homework, understanding what your child wants to know, involving others, and selecting a time to talk.

Start slowly and avoid sharing more than one or two ideas at a time. Regularly solicit feedback or questions.

Encourage your child(ren) to express their feelings and experiences freely. Remember that they are not to blame – they didn’t do anything wrong.

Talk about small things they could do to be helpful, such as giving you a hug, sending a sweet text message and avoid surprising you.

Recognizing His Feelings & Strengthening Relationships

Let’s look at Phases 2 and 3.

Select the Play Button to see how the Feeling Thermometer coping tool works. The video shows you how Patrick rates his feelings when an event occurs that might cause anxiety.

Then, select Each Image to review the strategies Patrick used to strengthen relationships with his children.

Father celebrating return from deployment with wife and daughter

Erin’s Story

Before we take a look at Phase 4, let’s listen to Erin’s story.

Erin, an Army Veteran, suffered back and head injuries while serving in Afghanistan.

Select Video 1 to listen to Erin's story and Video 2 for examples of how Erin’s mental and physical health issues that cause problems with her family.

Recognizing Her Feelings & Strengthening Relationships

Erin knew her children really needed her to "be there." With her mom's encouragement, Erin finally reached out to her chaplain.

After following the steps for talking about the problem, which we reviewed in Patrick’s story, Erin moved into Phases 2 and 3.

Select the Play Button to watch how Erin used the Feeling Thermometer coping tool, and then select the Next Button to learn about the strategies Erin used to manage her family by playing each audio clip .

Reaching out to resources
outside of the family

Communicate with others about your family's unique situation

Maintain a
family routine

Family drawing their goals on a chalkboard

Plan realistic
and manageable goals

Taking Time for Self-Care Activities

The final phase on the path to improved parenting with physical challenges, is to take time for yourself, also known as self-care.

Patrick learned that taking care of himself was another way to get through the tough patches.

Similarly, Erin rarely set aside personal time for herself — her children ALWAYS came first! The chaplain helped her understand that self-care is an important part of parenting for a person who has physical injuries.

Select Each List to learn more.

Patrick's List

Go for a walk.
Work out or exercise regularly.
Eat a balanced diet.
Try to get adequate sleep (7/8 hours/night).
Create some time alone each day.
Practice regular relaxation techniques.

Erin's List

Summary and Conclusion

Living with mental health challenges and physical injuries will bring many highs and lows to your family. As you face these challenges, remember that your family is there for you; and, with time and hard work, you and your family will adjust to the new normal of your lives as you stay strong together.

Feel free to download and use these Tip Sheets.

Common Children's
Reactions

Feeling Thermometer
Worksheet