Hi all,
I'm new. A little about us - we are a blended family of five. I have a biological son, age 9, from a previous relationship. My fiancee has a daughter, age 9, from a previous relationship who is diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder and other Dx. We have a 3-year-old son together.
My stepdaughter, who lives with us full time and I consider my child, is exhausting. Her diagnosis (RAD) causes her to push primary caregivers away. She steals, poops and pees herself and around the house, screams for hours, etc. I am homeschooling her now. We have done 3 inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations, 4 rounds of partial hospitalizations, intensive home services, etc.
I feel SO isolated, lonely, and disconnected from most of my friends. I have one best friend experiencing similar experiences and she has been my backbone. I am hoping to find others to talk to. I joined Facebook groups specific to her diagnosis, but someone mentioned this caregiver support line tonight to me. I am interested in reading more, hopefully talking to others, and maybe leaning on this as positive support.
A little more about me - I am in graduate school to be a therapist, with a concentration in advanced trauma-informed and drug/alcohol counseling.
I am looking forward to hopefully hearing from other caregivers! Moms, stepmoms, Dads, anyone!
While Im definitely not the same kind f caregiver as you , I just wanted to let yu know that youve got this. You are so much stronger than you realize and Im sure in her own way your (step)daughter appreciates everything you do. Hang in there !