New, looking for someone to relate to | CAN

New, looking for someone to relate to

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Radmom216
New, looking for someone to relate to

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!

imdana2
imdana2's picture
Hang in there

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 !

Tool
Tool's picture
Random, I care for my wife
Random, I care for my wife but I can totally relate to your feelings of isolation. I feel like I'm in a fishbowl just looking out watching life pass my by. I never get out to see friends and have had to give up all the activities I love doing. For a while I thought I was clinically depressed. I snapped out of it eventually. I was doing me or my wife any favors. I dont share my feelings with too many people for fear of being judged. I tried sharing them with my wife...that didn't go over to well lol. Its good to be able to share these feelings with other people who are experiencing the same thing. I find this format a little difficult though for being able to communicate and connect with other people. Doesnt seem to be too much activity. Hang in there. Perhaps someone will recognize your plight and step in once month and allow you to get out and feel like a normal person.
Tool
Tool's picture
Lmao It was supposed to be
Lmao It was supposed to be Radmom. Damn auto correct makes me laugh sometimes. Also makes me look like an idiot.