"5 Tips for Dealing with Hospital Stays"
By Kathryn Malnight, Chairman of the ADD/ADHD Group
Two years ago, my brother was repeatedly hospitalized and constantly in the ER due to epileptic seizures and medication poisoning. Through that time period, I learned a lot about dealing with life when your sibling is in the hospital. Here are some tips on how to make the experience a little bit less nerve wracking.
1. Focus on Other Things. When your sib is in the hospital, it can be easy to devote all your attention to that one situation - leaving the rest of your life hanging. If possible, try your best to not let this happen. Although your sibling’s hospitalization is important and requires attention, make sure it doesn’t consume your life. Don’t let school, friends, and the other things you love fall to the side because of what’s going on with your family.
2. Keep a Conversation Going. Chances are you have thoughts or concerns about your sibling staying in the hospital. Don’t keep these concerns locked inside! If you have a question about what’s going on, ask. Be sure to voice the feelings you have as well. Sharing emotions helps make the situation less stressful. If you find your parents are not offering the right support and answers you need, ask your sibling's nurses or doctors. Websites such as kidshealth can offer information as well.
3. Talk to Your Teachers. When my brother was hospitalized, I found that concentrating at school was extremely difficult. Letting your teachers know that you have a medical emergency going on at your home may open the door to a large network of support. Teachers may become more lenient with assignments or may even inform you that they are there to talk if you need it.
4. Don’t Isolate Yourself. Even if you don’t feel like it, try to interact with people - especially your friends. Hanging out with my friends and doing “normal” teenage things was a huge help to me when my brother was ill. You don’t have to plan anything fancy, simply going over to someone’s house and baking cookies can be an invaluable break from the stress at home.
5. Remember that You Matter Too. Yes, your sibling is sick. Yes, they are in the hospital and are dealing with a lot. It may seem that all of your parents’ attention is on them and that your needs are irrelevant, but this is not the case. Your sibling’s problems do not make yours any less valid. Your needs, and your life matter too, and are just as important as your sibling's. So take some time to practice self-care. Watch your favorite movie. Go for a walk. Recognize that you are important and treat yourself as such.
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
By Kathryn Malnight, Chairman of the ADD/ADHD Group
Two years ago, my brother was repeatedly hospitalized and constantly in the ER due to epileptic seizures and medication poisoning. Through that time period, I learned a lot about dealing with life when your sibling is in the hospital. Here are some tips on how to make the experience a little bit less nerve wracking.
1. Focus on Other Things. When your sib is in the hospital, it can be easy to devote all your attention to that one situation - leaving the rest of your life hanging. If possible, try your best to not let this happen. Although your sibling’s hospitalization is important and requires attention, make sure it doesn’t consume your life. Don’t let school, friends, and the other things you love fall to the side because of what’s going on with your family.
2. Keep a Conversation Going. Chances are you have thoughts or concerns about your sibling staying in the hospital. Don’t keep these concerns locked inside! If you have a question about what’s going on, ask. Be sure to voice the feelings you have as well. Sharing emotions helps make the situation less stressful. If you find your parents are not offering the right support and answers you need, ask your sibling's nurses or doctors. Websites such as kidshealth can offer information as well.
3. Talk to Your Teachers. When my brother was hospitalized, I found that concentrating at school was extremely difficult. Letting your teachers know that you have a medical emergency going on at your home may open the door to a large network of support. Teachers may become more lenient with assignments or may even inform you that they are there to talk if you need it.
4. Don’t Isolate Yourself. Even if you don’t feel like it, try to interact with people - especially your friends. Hanging out with my friends and doing “normal” teenage things was a huge help to me when my brother was ill. You don’t have to plan anything fancy, simply going over to someone’s house and baking cookies can be an invaluable break from the stress at home.
5. Remember that You Matter Too. Yes, your sibling is sick. Yes, they are in the hospital and are dealing with a lot. It may seem that all of your parents’ attention is on them and that your needs are irrelevant, but this is not the case. Your sibling’s problems do not make yours any less valid. Your needs, and your life matter too, and are just as important as your sibling's. So take some time to practice self-care. Watch your favorite movie. Go for a walk. Recognize that you are important and treat yourself as such.
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
