Accept the changes and what is happening in the present
If your child begins using drugs or alcohol or has a mental illness in their teens or young adulthood, not only is life different but they may be different too.
They may not enjoy the same activities they once did, have the same social life, relate to you in the same way, or handle things in life with the same enthusiasm or energy.
Taking the time to grieve the loss of how they were before will help you accept the changes and what is happening in the present.
Even though your child is still with you, this grieving process is important. It allows you to move forward with your life because you are consciously recognizing that things are different than they used to be and this awareness allows you to be in a better position to adapt to the changes.
When my oldest son was diagnosed with mental illness at age seventeen and became addicted to drugs, the next nine years were very different than the first seventeen years of his life. For me, grieving the loss of who he was before, involved many childhood memories flooding back and allowing myself to accept the changes.
If you are having a difficult time accepting or handling challenges with your son or daughter, or fears are getting in your way, sign up for my free 2 day challenge.
Join me live for 3 Steps for Finding Peace and Love Amidst the Tears: A free challenge for parents of troubled teens or young adults. Use this link to register for my free 2 day challenge