Overcoming My Mental Health Crisis

Interview with Kristin Evans, DisabilityParenting.com

Please share your parenting or caregiving story with us.

I am blessed with two precious children with differing rare genetic disorders. My youngest, my daughter, Bethany Grace (age 13), was born with Cri du Chat Syndrome and severe disabilities and medical fragility. When Bethany Grace was little, I journeyed through a mental health decline and crisis of faith. The caregiving stress felt almost unbearable. I became so depressed, I even made a serious suicide attempt. I spent years in therapy and learning how to care for myself and have risen up to renewed hope and passion for life and helping other disability parents strengthen their faith, mental health, and marriages.

What has been the HARDEST part of raising or caring for someone with a disability?

My journey through chronic grief has been the most difficult part of caring for my children.

What has been the most JOYOUS part of raising or caring for someone with a disability?

Bethany Grace has taught me what is most important in life: simple gratitude and joy for each new day. I am grateful for my new perspective on life and for the fun we have together each day.

What advice would you give someone who is encountering #LifeUnexpected (raising or caring for an individual with a disability)?

Look for joyful moments each day for which you can be grateful. Try to embrace your present life and not compare yours to others'. Validate how you feel and your grief experience.

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Read more about Kristin Evans at DisabilityParenting.com

Kristin and I had an Instagram Live discussion. We talked about our journeys as special needs mom, how Kristin overcame her mental health crisis, and the deep joy that we've discovered.