Calcutta: Parents and caregivers of children with special needs should save some time for their recreation and socialising to be able to take care of the children better, a clinical psychologist said at a programme recently.
The socialising should also be outside the circle of parents with special kids, the psychologist said.
“It is important for parents of children with special needs to engage in self-care, pursue their hobbies and have time for their recreation. If they keep sacrificing everything for the sake of their children, it will only make them more exhausted and prone to anxiety,” said Prasanta Kumar Roy, assistant professor, Institute of Psychiatry.
Roy was addressing parents of children with special needs, varying from autism to Down syndrome. The topic was Mental Health Care for Parents and Dealing with Caregivers’ Burden.
The session, jointly organised by Parivaar Bengal, the state unit of a national network of parents’ organisations, and Bhabna, which works with individuals with autism and their families, aimed to address the needs of parents who often have to play the role of caregivers their whole lives.
Roy said mothers mostly sacrifice their social lives for their children.
“But to take better care of their children they need some recreation. Social gatherings should include other parents and not just those with special kids so that they don’t end up talking only about their children and their needs,” said Roy.
Roy said instead of mothers always sacrificing leisure, both parents should take turns.
“Perhaps it is not possible for both parents to go out at the same time. So, one parent could take care of the child and let the other step out. Mothers who often sacrifice leisure should talk to the partners about this,” said Roy.
A group of mother who attended the session told the organisers that they were glad that such a session was held for caregivers.
“They told us that for once a session was organised that focussed on caregivers,” said Soumen Upadhyay, general secretary of Parivaar Bengal.
Upadhyay said children without special needs can take care of themselves after a point and are not dependent on their parents.
“But for parents of children with special needs, they are lifelong caregivers. At times, this leads to distress. So, it is important that their mental health is taken care of,” said Upadhyay.
These parents become prone to anxiety with age, said Arunasis Adhikari, trustee of Bhabna.
“The mental health of parents becomes crucial for the wellbeing of their children,” he said.