Another sad story has emerged. A mother has been charged with murder.
She is accused of murdering her 11 year old son.
He apparently had severe autism, had little speech and used a wheelchair.
I remember a year or so ago another mother who, along with her autistic son (whose age I am not sure of) jumped off a bridge to their deaths.
Recently in the news were the verdicts of another set of parents, who were found guilty of murdering their daughter, who had severe learning difficulties.
It is all so sad.
One wonders why these people went to this extreme length. Did they not receive adequate support and help from those that should have been providing it?
Did they become too overwhelmed with their childs needs and could see the future was one that would be the same, only harder and harder as the child grew bigger?
Were they suffering from depression?
We may never know.
But, those that were in these peoples local authority need to look at whether they could have been more pro-active and supportive.
Were there signs? Did the mothers go to their GPs with depression? Did their social worker keep abrest of their circumstances and keep in contact with them?
It is a sad indictment on our society that until something terrible happens, there never seems to be an assessment of duties and a change in the way staff in charge of these children and their families work.
Why did these people slip through?
I know from experience that when we were desperate we were promised all sorts of help and support, with daily phone calls from the disability team in the social services. But after day two, we never heard from them. They never followed up. Just left us to it. Until we called them.
After dealing with Js behaviours for a few years, and a year after having my second child, I developed depression.
It is something I have to live with as I know it will never leave me completely.
I am not taking any anti-depressants at present as I was pregnant and am now breastfeeding and even though there are certain varieties of tablets that are apparently safe, I am not prepared to take the risk.
On low days I do feel the need to keep indoors and keep my socialising to a minimum, as I feel worthless. As I am aware of my depression, I am always keeping myself in check. My hubby is fully aware of my illness and I hope in the event I spiral and do not realise, he will, and will get me help to better myself.
On my low days, I do feel useless and powerless and that I am not a worthy mother, wife and friend. On my good days I feel I can achieve anything.
So, when I read these stories, about these mothers and fathers that feel compelled to end either their childs life, or both of their lives, I have compassion. I do not judge them with contempt.
How can we as a society ever improve and help people like them, if we sit back and judge them?
I know I have been judged for talking about my depression before. But, I don't feel ashamed by it. Why should I? I am not superwoman. I just try to do my best.
