You have made the decision to seek treatment for your addiction, but you still need to have that conversation with your children on why you are leaving home for a while.
If your kids are unaware of your condition, this can be a difficult topic to broach. Even if they are aware, it is a tough conversation for anyone to have. Spending time apart from loved ones is never an easy decision to make or explain.
Set an Example
Few are courageous enough to seek help. Getting the support you need is one of the most valiant decisions you can make. Your children look up to you. The example you set for them in prioritizing yourself and your mental health needs will make a difference in their lives. Your children see that and will model it in the future. When they are inevitably facing personal hardship later on, they will recall your strength when you were once feeling helpless. Whether or not they acknowledge your decision as mighty in the moment, you are making a decision to change your life for the better that will show over time. The healing that comes with that choice inevitably extends to your loved ones.
Expect to be Held Accountable
Children are some of our harshest critics. They tend to have a moral rigidity that grounds us in a right vs. wrong approach to life challenges. That persistent voice for accountability can be a helpful nudge in the right direction. Just as much as they see you as a role model, you want to live up to the pedestal where they hold you in such high acclaim. It can be a motivating force for some people.
Telling your children that you’re seeking treatment is not easy. It’s even harder to get yourself in the right headspace for the conversation. If you are having difficulty mentally preparing yourself for this conversation, remember that you are setting a good example and that your children will hold you accountable. At Valiant Living, we understand how to treat people suffering from addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. We can help determine how these issues might impact an entire family. At our men-only facility located in the Denver area, we will focus on this and more. Call us today to find out how we can help at (303) 952-5035.
