E9: To medicate or not to medicate? That is the question...

Confession: I can’t imagine what it would have been like to parent my son without the help of medication to manage his symptoms of ADHD and ODD.  I explain that although I am no expert and I believe this is a decision not to be taken lightly, medication certainly helped Lane.  I don't judge families who don't medicate their child; I ask that you not judge those of us who do.  In this episode:*medications help me with my depression*my stop-gap meds for anxiety last spring*Lane's teacher's description of him once he was on ADHD meds*years later started meds for mood swings due to ODD*unsolicited opinions of others*parenting strategies, in addition to medicationMy audacious intent for this podcast is to be a beacon of hope for parents and guardians like me, who are raising wounded children and doing their best to stay afloat.  I have found my way from surviving to thriving and you can, too!SHOWNOTESUnderstanding Oppositional DisorderADHD vs. ODD: Similarities and DifferencesThree Most Common Mental Health Illnesses in Adopted ChildrenThe A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah NaishTalk to me! Click here to provide feedbackThanks for listening, Beloveds.  Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will?   Keep advocating for your child.  And, most importantly, stay tenacious!PODCAST RECOMMENDATION:The TBRI PodcastQUICK VIDEOS TO WATCH:Karyn Purvis Institute of Child DevelopmentBOOK RECOMMENDATION:The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah NaishResources on suicide prevention:Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.- Call or text 988- Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor...