CdLS Mental Health Toolkit
Reaching out for help or support for our mental health is normal, healthy, and not a shortcoming. Recognizing that we all have times when we can’t “do it all” does not mean we are weak or incapable. It means that we are human.
The CdLS Foundation is proud to provide our families with mental health resources to enhance support, education, and accessibility to help you prioritize your mental health. The resources included here are from reputable sources and contain evidence-based information. Thank you for being a part of this effort with us. We remain honored to support you.

Family Relationships
Having a child with special needs can significantly affect family relationships. Parents often face increased stress and emotional strain from caregiving, leading to feelings of isolation. Siblings may feel neglected due to the attention their brother or sister requires. However, many families also find positive outcomes, such as greater empathy and unity. Working together can strengthen bonds and appreciation for each member’s strengths. Open communication and support from extended family and community resources are vital for maintaining healthy relationships.

Grief
Parents of children with special needs often experience a unique form of grief. The constant caregiving demands, and societal misunderstandings can exacerbate feelings of isolation and sadness. In the tragic event of losing a special needs child with special needs, the grief can be profoundly intense, compounded by the deep bond formed through caregiving and advocacy. Support from family, friends, and professional counseling is crucial for navigating these complex emotions and finding a path toward healing.

Self-Care
Caregivers often prioritize the needs of their loved ones over their own, leading to burnout, stress, and health issues. Self-care is crucial for caregivers of individuals with special needs. Prioritizing self-care, such as exercise and hobbies, helps reduce stress and prevent burnout. Taking breaks and seeking support can enhance resilience, leading to better care for their loved ones. Ultimately, self-care is essential for the well-being of both caregivers and those they support.

Sibling Support
Siblings might feel neglected or develop feelings of jealousy due to the extra attention their brother or sister requires, which can affect sibling dynamics. Parents should provide age-appropriate information and reassurance to help them feel valued. It’s important for siblings to have independent time and to connect with peers through support groups or counseling. Open communication and a balanced family focus can help them thrive emotionally.

Mental and Emotional Health
Taking care of the mental and emotional health of parents or caregivers of children with special needs is paramount, as their well-being directly impacts their ability to provide effective care. The constant demands and challenges of caregiving can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression if not properly managed. Emotional self-care, such as engaging in hobbies, maintaining social connections, and practicing mindfulness, can help alleviate stress and foster a sense of balance. Additionally, understanding and accepting their own limits, and seeking help when needed, can prevent burnout, reduce feelings of guilt, and promote resilience.


Crisis
**The CdLS Foundation is not an emergency service, and this toolkit is not designed to replace mental health care from a provider. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please choose one of the options below:
Call 911
or your local healthcare provider
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the U.S.
Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line is available for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
offers support and resources for yourself or those who may be at risk for suicide.
Critical Care
The information on this page is intended for emergency personnel, hospital staff and specialists in the event an individual with CdLS is admitted to the hospital.