Problem: AI rewrite Parental emotional and psychological challenges
Upon receiving the diagnosis, families experience a wave of intense emotions and psychological distress that can persist throughout the child's life. Initial shock and grief: Parents often feel a sense of shock, disappointment, sadness, and grief over the perceived "loss" of the healthy, "perfect" baby they expected. Guilt and self-blame: Many parents, particularly mothers, experience overwhelming guilt, questioning if their actions during pregnancy caused the cleft. Anxiety and depression: Caregivers of children with clefts are at a higher risk for anxiety and depression due to the intense demands of caregiving, ongoing medical treatments, and feeding difficulties. Overwhelming stress: Parents may feel overwhelmed by the intensive, long-term nature of treatment, which involves multiple specialist appointments, surgeries, and therapies. Differing coping between parents: Studies show that mothers may experience more psychological problems, while fathers may perceive less support to talk about their problems. In many couples, working together to overcome challenges can strengthen their relationship. Need Assignment Help?