I was diagnosed with moderate depression in November last year, I attended the Doctors due to my mood swings one day I could be absolutely fine and for no reason or such small occurrences I would become very low and snappy with my kids and sometimes my wife. I could only put this down to a very difficult few years; however when I think about it I have been having mood swings pretty much since I left school around 1989/90.
In 2007 my eldest was diagnosed with aspergers syndrome, Christmas day 2007 my father died from a stroke also in 2007 I found out my wife had fallen pregnant with my third child although this was not planed I was pleased.
In 2008 I found out my job was not secure I work for the public sector and was forced to take a large monthly pay cut. The biggest shock was in June 2008 my youngest was born however there were complications my wife had to have a emergency caesarean, we nearly lost him at birth he was not breathing and had to be resuscitated and was in intensive care for 10 days. Tests were carried out and the doctor said he had moderate brain damage. Due to the emergency caesarean my wife has had complications and had to go for minor surgery however the problems are still in existence to this day.
In 2009 my second born was diagnosed with high functioning autism and does display classic traits which make him very difficult to deal with. My eldest’s (with aspergers) behaviour has gradually got worse violence and bullying of his brothers and me thankfully not so much my wife, I have had to involve social services and is going for psychiatric treatment.
I’m sure there are people in worse situations as I am which makes me feel selfish to some extent I have a roof over my head I’m not in debt and have food and warmth, and although my physical health could be better over weight reoccurring back injury etc the past few years have mentally taken their toll. I can take solace in the fact my youngest although diagnosed with brain damage is progressing very well and to look at him he acts like a normal child of his age with only a few minor issues and I have a extremely supportive family, my wife is very understanding of my issues and my mother has been helping with the children.
