Ask:
I was asked how I was doing last Friday and I said tired. When I asked back she said fine. So then I jokingly said ok, I change my answer to more PC, I am fine too! Lucky for me she laughed and said she was tired and we chatted for a moment.
Does having a SN child make us more tired? If so, why do you think? Just wondering if it is me.
Answer:
I think our "tired" is more mental and emotional that a physical "tired". I get physically tired too, but my mental state goes faster. It takes alot out of a person to deal with SN kids. I think the general public should cut a break, haha.
Answer:
Right now I am more mentally exhausted then tired. Some times I wish I could just sit down and cry and have someone here to just hold me and tell me things will get better like when I was little. Unfortunately I can't cry, it seems like I just don't remember how and I don't have anyone to hold me and tell me things will get better so what's the point. DH has had his head in the sand for so many years that I just am alone in all of this. I will trudge forward for the benefit of my DDs but more and more I wonder how this is going to effect me physically and emotionally later on in life. I feel like I'm using up energy that I need to rejuvenate myself and make me healthy both mentally & physically. I wish more people realized that working mentally is just as taxing on a person as is physical labor.
On the up side my 4 yr old DD has been sleeping thru the night for 3 weeks now. This is the first time in over 4 years that she has ever slept thru the night. I never realized how physically tired I was and how use to getting up with her multiple times in the normal 6 hours of sleep I got. The first time she sleep thru the night I woke up the next morning in such a panic I thought some one had stolen her or she had died in the night. Never have I felt such panic before. Just a background note DD was diagnosed with central sleep apnea last summer after trying all the sleep aids available both over the counter, at the health food store and prescribed. She takes remeron to help her fall asleep but it didn't help her stay asleep. We had a weighted blanket made for her and it's amazing what it does for her.
Now back on the subject I think having a SN child(ren) makes a person more tired because there is never down time. During the day we take care of them, teach them, we advocate for them, and research for them. When we aren't with them we worry and wonder. We are forever trying to educate those around us and trying to make the world more tolerant not of only our kids but of all people. When we sleep at night we dream and worry and wonder the what ifs. Know matter what we do, where we are or who we are with we are still caring for our child(ren). This is the hardest job 24/7, 365 days a year and all without a paycheck. But just that smile, hug, kiss or even that ahha moment makes it all worth it.