Infection
Family & Friends |
| Friends and family are often not sure how they can help you. Sometimes their attempts to help may be misplaced but almost always their intention is to be helpful. Sometimes you can feel overwhelmed by phone calls, visitors and advice. It may feel like you are supporting others when you and your child need the support. It's not uncommon to feel disappointed by people you thought would be more supportive and surprised by others you did not think would be so helpful. It is important to remember that your family and friends will exsperience a variety of different emotions and will respond in different ways. Those who maintain little contact usually do this because they don't know what to do or say. It does not mean that they do not care or are not thinking of you or your child. It can be helpful to have a list of things for when your family and friends ask how to help - errands, practical tasks - or just say 'knowing you are there is helpful'. Sometimes it helps, especially at times of greater stress, tp have a couple of people to give information to the rest of your friendship and family groups. This can minimise the number of people you need to talk to when you are feeling overwhelmed but at the same time give important people information so they can continue to understand some of what you and your child are experiencing and find ways of being supportive. Some parents set up a group email or blog for people who want to know how things are going. |