Mothers with special needs children are at risk for
depression and related disorders(Reuters, 4/18/2008).Studiesshowparentsofspecialneedschildrenhavesignificantlyhigherdivorcerates
than those with typically developing children. Medical
illness, financial stressors, faith basedissues, and employment struggles often accompany
the challenges of being a primary caregiver of aspecial needschild
When
you become a mother it is often a miraculous experience
in yourlife. When your child is identified as having
special needs, it is potentially the mostdevastating experience of yourlife.
Astheprimarycaregivermotherstryto“fix”everythingfortheirchild.Somechallengescannotbe fixed, but rather adapted to. The “MOM 2 MOM” Peer
Support Helpline Program answers theneed.
Anabundanceofresourcesforchildrenwithspecialneedshavebeenestablishedwithafocuson advocacy, education, and financial support for those
lovedones.
The missing link, however, has been the recognition for
the needed services for theprimary caregiver’s mental health and wellness,
specifically a service formothers.
By dialing
1-877-914-6662 a mother of a child with
special needs will receive the following
services:
Mom2Mom
Peer Support
-
Peer Supporters will be available to provide
telephone peer support to callers in need. Moms
of special needs children trained in peer
counseling and crisis support will offer peer
support, explain resources, and explore your
needs. Peer support is also available through
our website for a live chat experience online.
Mom2Mom
Clinical
Assessment
- Clinical Professionals will be
available as part of the helpline team to do
telephone assessment and gauge the depression,
anxiety, and family & marital issues, etc. that
may be impacting your life.
Mom2Mom
Network
- A
database of specially trained service providers
will be available for referrals for your mental
health needs.
Mom2MomSupport Groups
-
Within your communities, Mom Peer Supporters
will be available every month for Mom 2 Mom
support groups.
