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Grief and Childlessness: Can't have my own
Loss & Grief | Last Active: Oct 31, 2018 | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
You might start by looking at ALL the problems you haven't faced due to your child-free life. Some kids, no matter how you raise them, are never going to be able to manage life and by not bringing them into this world, you have avoided these problems. I once was child-free and suddenly we had one on the way. She is not mentally well and is over 40 years old. She caused grief during her childhood that most do not face.
Replies to "You might start by looking at ALL the problems you haven't faced due to your child-free..."
I am sorry to hear of your daughter's mental health issues. That must be very difficult for you. Colleen's suggestion of started a discussion regarding this topic is a good one. I think you will find a number of parents like yourself who are also dealing with adult children who have mental health issues.
Teresa
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Hi @eileena, Certainly one can experience grief for a life that never was as anticipated. An expecting parent can't help but envision life as they think it will be. This discussion is for people who grieve not being able to have children. It isn't a place to decide who is grieving more.
To talk more about raising a child with special needs, I invite you to take part in this discussion:
- Mother of special need children losing her mind https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mother-of-special-need-children-losing-her-mind/
Or perhaps you'd like to start a new discussion specifically about parenting a child with mental illness. Here's how to start a new discussion:
1. Go to the Mental Health group homepage here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mental-health/
2. Click the START A DISCUSSION button.
3. Enter a title. Something like “Parenting a Child with Mental Illness”
4. Write your message.
5. Click CREATE DISCUSSION