Showing posts with label cp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cp. Show all posts

Sunday, April 3

Summer and its Affects on the Body with CP

 it's summer






This is the third season when everyone one.is outside and it doesn't matter whether you have a disability or not but with this season comes the reversal of the situation for winter. because again muscle tone and joint pain can occur. With cerebral palsy, it doesn't matter because of the muscle tone being tight being because of it being too hot just as it would be if it was too cold as in winter. 


A good example of this was a British Paralympian who was in Rio and said that her body loves the heat for muscle tone as it made it easier to run etc however her skin and the rest of the body where cerebral palsy is not affected the body hated the heat because of the humidity.


Doing this group of posts I asked various members of a group who have cerebral palsy and different types such as spastic, ataxic and diplegic And it doesn't didn't matter what type of disability or cerebral palsy someone has where the weather will affect the body to some extent. 


In conclusion to this then it would make no difference whether the person went out if they were worse too hot or too cold because the disability would be affected in the same way however when the weather is ideal then is the optimal time to go out and do things.


Sunday, March 27

Spring and its Affects on the Body with CP

So it's spring:





This is a season where things get a little bit easier. the weather has been getting slightly warmer each day. Maybe a few days where it has been more difficult to get out however because of the way things are with cerebral palsy this is also the time of freedom to start with. Here in the UK, we are just coming through the winter when we are stuck indoors. because of the way the weather has affected our bodies with cerebral palsy.


Warmer days





These are the days that are slightly better than the last few months because of the way cerebral palsy is affected and the pain and the looseness of muscles is beginning to happen again because of the warmth. making things happier for us as we can move freely. it doesn't mean that we have to stay indoors but we do if it is a colder and windy day because of the pain in our muscles and joints. 


Windy days







Again like Autumn and Winter, these windy days in spring make it harder for us to manoeuvre and whether we are using support or not does matter so is more suggestive today to stay in as it makes our joints more painful and muscles tighter making it harder to move.

 what you doing


Rainy days






Feed the days are difficult despite being warm we feel often that we can't go out because of the factor that the ground is slippery so decide not to it doesn't mean that we don't all the time but most of the time I'm if it is a stormy rainy day then we don't because of the muscle tone and joint pain.


Sunny days






These can be the best days as it cannot be too hot but yeah it's warm enough to keep our joints supple. These are the days when there when we grab opportunities with both hands because we can do the most.



Cold days





Similar to winter and autumn this is when the pain for joints and muscles are stiff making it harder for us to do what is required on a day-to-day basis. So we spend most of the time indoors doing things if we can.



Final ideas


This is when in fact things become freer. however, because we find it difficult to move around on bad days when it's cold or windy such as in winter or autumn or early spring it makes it more exciting for when summer comes.










Sunday, March 13

Autumn and its Affects on the Body with CP




 What do I mean?


As with every type of cerebral palsy, there's so much to think about. There are 4 main types which I have mentioned in the following posts Life with Diplegic Mixed Cerebral Palsy Common Questions for me Challenges ahead Part 1and Challenges ahead Part 2. But it doesn’t matter what you want to be able to do it can also depend on how your body reacts to stimuli such as the weather. So that means the seasons affect the body daily as well as the season as a whole.


So what?


I am picking autumn because here in the northern hemisphere have just gone through autumn and currently going through winter before the next seasonal change with spring on the way. But not here yet.

  

Ok, what happens?


Each day can be different as the weather is. But there are generalisations and these are as follow because it also depends on how you slept the night before. again this depends on where you are living. Because if you are living in say sheltered accommodation where you cant regulate the temperature of the building let alone your own room.


Warm Days:





These days are my favourite ones as I can be almost free to be and do anything that my body actually can do. And it's just not my particular type of cerebral palsy that finds these are the best but again this depends on where you are living.



Wet Days:





These are the days that are in some respects the worst as it means that we can’t necessarily go out. If it's just a little bit of rain and we as a type of person can walk a little it depends on how wet the ground is as it is uneven and slippery because of the wetness already on the ground. Yet if it has been raining and you are in a wheelchair, self-propelled or motorised you are also dependent on how good your chair is. Because you have to judge what is an urgent event or not. As this can affect the wheelchair.



Windy Days:





These days are in some respects the worse because the wind will make you feel cold. As the wind can get everywhere around you even if you have a blanket over your knees. While you are in a wheelchair. If you can walk then it makes it harder to move as the buffering can cause you to fall. So a walking aid such as a walking frame can be a double-edged sword. I say that because it depends on the type of cerebral palsy you have. As well as how severe it is. Because the frame may make it harder for you to walk but again that depends on what type of walking aid you have. A walking stick may be helpful to a certain extent too yet that may not be as stable as a walking frame. However, this also depends on how you walk gait wise.


Cold Days:





These are also the worst types of days as well as windy days because of the way that the cold affects the muscles and joints on a day to day basis and it doesn't matter what type of cp you have.



Sunday, February 6

Cp Depression and your 40s

You're in your 40s and cp are throwing spanners in the works:




Ok, so you notice things are getting harder and you are more and more frustrated. I get it. I’m going through this stage of life right now and get what you are going through. 


What happened for me to begin with


Life was pretty good to start with. The kids were off to school and I was in control of what was happening around me. Yet I could tell that things were going wrong within me. Not chemically but physically. It was the little things that I was losing control of, such as putting my shoes and socks on or crossing my legs at the knee.


Those Feelings kicked in again!


As I mentioned in previous posts such as The feelings of frustration, and despair because of the way things are with my body I felt that I was losing control of everything around me. This included the feeling of not being a good mum because of the inability of being able to do something that I perceive that the average mum can do. And some of the things that I couldn’t do. Sometimes it is frustrating that the children wouldn’t do the chores that I asked them to do. And they were chores I can’t do anymore. You may say what about asking your partner to help. Yes, I did and do but just sometimes it is the feeling of loss of independence. It can be the realisation that says in 10years time the brain damage that is consistent changes something else that you thought you wouldn’t necessarily lose but lose anyway.



What I did


I did what most mums would do which was to nag the kids to help but this didn’t work. Because as the kids got older they became more and more independent and didn’t want and still don’t as I write this. But I have to realise they are teens right now and don’t want to do anything that their parent wants them to do. And that is normal! 



How I counteract those feelings:


When I first noticed that things were going awry I said to my hubby I thought I needed to go back on medications and so I went back to my doctor and went back on medication. And I’m not sure if I will ever come off them as anything can trigger an episode. And when I have been off them by mistake I acted like a completely wild animal with my anger and frustration. My kids have politely asked me to never come off them.


I also got another case of counselling and in this round, I had CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). Which I do use almost daily. Because there are things that can trigger an event that causes that to arrive. But that is diminishing slowly.


Final words

So I have said what I used to help myself in my moods in this post and the posts before I mention the different types of ways of getting help for yourself as an adult and to aid children who have cerebral palsy to learn how to deal with their condition as they get older.


But it is up to you how you help yourself or the person you care for.


Sunday, January 30

CP and depression in your 30s

So the 30s have hit and you’re feeling low again:




So looking at what you have and the thought of why you. And the feeling of being a burden is another problem because you are not able to do things that the people who you live with can. 


Remember that these are also issues that occurred when you were a child, teen and in your 20s 



Ok, the feeling is there again!





This is when you are going through another bout of depression because of the feelings. But you are not alone. There are lots of people who are in the same box.


What to do?


Ok so the feelings are there and you've been given all the cues to get the help in your 20s. Now is the time to use them again. 


If on the other hand, you're reading this post then it's ok. I've been through the same things and didn't know anything until I was in my 30s 



What I did!


It was at this age I finally started getting the help I needed.


I was diagnosed with clinical depression at this point. So I was put on medication. I also went through a course of counselling. For a long time, I managed to be content enough and came off the medication. 



When my family grew and my children were eventually off to school I noticed that my body has started to get a bit more worn. Slowly I also noticed that I was getting more and more tired. However, I ignored all the warning signs and carried on and let life take over.


In that sense, I should not have left myself got at this point but I did. For some of the stuff I was dealing with I got healing thanks to the counselling but there were things I was dealing with and didn’t know.


If you have those sorts of feelings realise that everyone has these and it doesn’t matter if you have a disability or not.


Last words


My thoughts are if you have not got the help you need then push for it but if you have it then use it. There are so many apps as well that can help you. But not everyone is the same so it is best to search on your phone and try as many as possible till you find the ones that work for you.






Sunday, January 23

Young adults with cerebral Palsy and depression

So they're 20+ with cp:



Ok so now any help that social services and the medical professionals seemingly wash their hands of the new adult who is beginning their adulthood. I say that in the sense that the professionals don't really know what cerebral palsy does to an adult.


So what do you do now?





If you have gone through difficult times as a child with cerebral palsy and they are feeling low because of what the condition is throwing up even daily. This could be tiredness, muscle tone and pain, or anything else that cp has given you. Then go back to the people who were there for you as a teen helped you with the mental health issues that come across from time to time. These may be:


  • Councillor

  • Friends

  • Family

  • Work colleagues.

  • GP

  • Social services 


One of the main feelings:


At this point the question of why me? probably is the biggest question you may ask yourself even though you may know the reason. Emotional frustration because of what your body throws at you emotionally is the main cause of depression. So keep this in check and anything else that causes stress and anxiety.


Will you have a partner?


This is another question that may trigger depression and anxiety. The thing is this is a question that even able-bodied people have to. So it's a normal question for everyone.


The frustration of the cp:


This is a common cause of depression so going to your GP for help is the 1st big step as much as it's the sensation of depression and anxiety because of what cp has given you. But also remember no one is the same. If we were, it would be boring.


The future?


That totally depends on you and how you deal with things.


Sunday, January 16

Teens, cp and depression

School and teenage life with cerebral palsy:



Like every child and adult, they may go through bullying. Which is horrendous in any case having a disability on top of that can make things even worse. It doesn't matter what type of school the child is at either. 


Listening to the Teen:


This is the most important thing that should come from the parents, friends, family, and professionals that are involved with the child. because it is their lives that you're looking out for as an adult in their lives.


At school:


When the child is at school and if they are being bullied. then the first port of call is to get it dealt with within the school itself. But again if it is not resolved you will need to go higher in the system.


At home:


If at home the child is unhappy and depressed. 


  1. Talk to the teen

  2. Listen to the teen

  3. Don't ignore them or brush off what they are saying or going through.

  4. Point them in the direction for help

  5. Emotionally support them

And just generally support them.


Some of the places to guide them include

  • Childline

  • Social services

  • GP

  • Consultant

  • Friend

  • Adult

  • Teacher

  • Councillor

  • Facebook groups

  • Local groups if there any nearby


Dealing with the cp specifically:


When the teen asks about their condition and why they are different because of whatever evidence the cp has thrown up. Remember the following


  • Treat them as you would any other teen

  • Explain as simply as possible that it's not their fault.

  • Give them time to process the information

  • Support them in whatever way they need

  • Get them to ask the consultant relative questions


Then you can help them move forward and by getting support from other places such as the list below:


  • local groups

  • Scope

  • Facebook groups

  • Councillor

  • Friends


These things might be common sense but sometimes these need to be reminded because they are all intensive purposes the same as any other teen but have added issues that may not be disclosed at the moment through the cp but may show up later in life.


What if the teen is nonverbal:


Ok, the teen is nonverbal due to the cp mainly in their facial muscles. Then get them to talk via their equipment. It shouldn't matter how long it takes for them to get their own message, dreams, whatever across and using their equipment gets them to open up. 


Listen to what they have to say. 


Because I can tell you from personal experience that they want to be heard and treated equally in their own lives. Cerebral Palsy does not mean that we are not capable of doing things. It means it has to be done our way. It doesn't mean that they can't use their brains. It means they are wired differently. Just the same as anyone who has any other disability.



What does this mean?


It means that they are valued. Their opinions are presented equally. They are heard as a person not just as a disability. This way they are the person who has cerebral palsy, not the person who has Cerebral Palsy.


Sunday, January 2

Depression and cerebral palsy

Is Depression and Cerebral Palsy Connected?



That is a question that a lot of people have. It is also a valid one because of the limitations that cerebral palsy causes within the body and the frustration that comes along with it. It doesn't matter what age of the person with the condition there is always going to be times in their own lives when frustration kicks in.



Depression and children with cerebral palsy:


As a child with cerebral palsy, it is going to be harder for them to communicate what is wrong. It may be because they are different from their classmates. That, either they distance themselves to let the others shine. Or they can be bullied. Which is equally wrong. It's also when the parents or family members either expect the child to do the same as other members without taking into account the issues that the child may have. Or won't let them do what they are capable of by smothering. Therefore they are unable


CP Teens and Depression:





This is when things start to spin if things are not gone unnoticed. Because hormones come into play on top of the normal things going on. Such as school, family stresses and strains, their points of reality when they fully understand what cerebral palsy means for them and their future. So it's worth keeping an eye on what they are feeling and listening to them.



CP  20s with depression:





This is really when things are difficult as when they are working if it is possible because quite often the place of work does not understand the persons' limitations. So if you are working then keep an eye on your mental health. Or if you know of someone who has cp ensure that they are mentally ok.


Cp 30s with depression:





Another decade has moved on and your body has started changing yet again meaning that the frustration again kicks off because you may notice the changes in the way things are done. So this is when the body starts to wear out but not completely noticeable both for the person and friends and families.


CP 40s+ with depression:


It is at this point in life that the changes were beginning a decade. They are becoming more and more noticeable. Which will make the frustration more evident. Therefore it is when depression can be strong in the person's life. So make sure you keep it in check.



Final thoughts:


In conclusion, there is every chance that there will be a depressive episode. At some point in the person's life. However, this is dependent on the person's personal attitude towards life as a whole. And is not always going to be there.


Thursday, September 30

January has Almost gone: Winter is half gone! with Cerebral Palsy playing

 A new month!


January is going. Tomorrow is the first day of February. Has anything changed for you?


Have you had to stay in more because of what has happened in the last year and this new month that’s just going?

Lots of little things have happened this month certainly for me. Some of the things I couldn’t control and others I could, that’s ok!

You know what though, February is a new month. Each day is like the new day of a book. I acknowledge that I am the one in charge of what I think and what I can do. There are lots of things I can’t do but I know what I can, that is important to realise.


There are days particularly in the winter when I do struggle with my condition. It makes me feel like I’m not capable of anything I mentioned feeling low several times in posts such as Urgh the feeling and Urgh again as well as Urgh!!! Cerebral Palsy can take a long run and jump. These posts are all written either in late Autumn or throughout Winter. S.A.D is also a possibility as my moods change as the seasons’ change.

The move and it's effects


Since the move, I know that it's just my cerebral palsy that is making me feel low. It frustrates me so much at times. Because of the energy, it is zapping from me. I think of what I should be doing as a mum, and as a wife, but I know it makes me feel guilty for having the Cerebral Palsy as I am too tired to do what is required at times.

The place we are living in is making me feel a lot safer and more confident in what I can do. I am a lot happier than I was before. At the old home

What now!

But now and then, the feeling of exhaustion. Just from day to day living wipes me out. On those days I just want to curl up, sleep until I feel better.

I realise that it is very much to do with what cerebral palsy has done damage wise. Causing more depression episodes the older I get. Due to the change in my own body’s ability to live from day-to-day.

If you are in a similar situation then check out Liz Whitely Counselling and her blog. In the post, I have linked above is all about cerebral palsy and mental illnesses particularly depression and all it's’ types. If you are really struggling mentally because of your condition then please contact her through the link and she will be able to help you in many ways.

Another way of getting help is by getting in touch with the Cerebral Palsy Advice UK Group here in the UK where they can help and point you in the right direction for the help you really need.

Love and peace
xxx

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