If you have a child whose mental health needs are so acute that they required residential treatment, these phases of feelings may resonate with you:
Deciding whether or not to place:
Worried that it would make you a "bad parent" to have a child who lives away from you
Self-critical that you weren't able to provide what they needed at home
Desperate to find anything that will actually work
Terrified that you'll get that one phone call that something awful has happened
Exhausted from making treatment decisions and wishing that someone could just tell you what the "right" decision is
During their residential treatment:
Relieved that they are finally safe, and that you can actually take time for yourself
Guilty that you feel so relieved
Worried that they'll have to stay permanently
Grieving the loss of the things they are missing out on while they're gone
Embarrassed and unsure what to tell people in your life about this
Planning for their discharge back home:
Excited because you've missed them so much
Terrified that the symptoms or behaviors will start back up again
Obsessed with planning the "perfect" discharge plan to "guarantee" that there won't be a relapse
Helpless because so much of this feels out of your control
Optimistic because treatment did seem to help their symptoms
If any of this sounds familiar, that's because you are not alone. I have supported countless families on this incredibly difficult journey, and know that having the right support system in your corner can make or break your ability to manage this process. If you have a child who has been through or might need residential treatment, schedule a free 15-minute consult with me to see if I can support your family.