Months ago I discovered that my young son has ADHD. I got it confirmed with a pediatrician after figuring it out from a special education course I’m taking for my degree. My feelings about this diagnosis are positive because my thoughts are things like: “I can learn how to help my son,” and “now we have answers for his behavior.” He is unable to start behavior therapy because of COVID. We have decided to get him on medication before he starts school again. We have tried a few different medications and nothing has worked well enough so far. We see good responses, but then we eventually see negative side effects.

I’m feeling discouraged and guilty for putting my son through this when he cannot consent. I know the thoughts I am choosing are causing me pain and I don’t have to choose them. My question is: Can you offer me thoughts that support continuing this process? It’s hard to think of them in the middle of it.

C – Son’s new medication removes his desire to play.
T – Another medication doesn’t work.
F – Discouraged, exhausted
A – Give up
R – ADHD not managed through medication

C – Son’s new medication removes his desire to play.
T – I am choosing this for him without his consent.
F – Guilt
A – Remove guilt by stopping medication search
R – ADHD not managed through medication

IM:
C – Son’s new medication removes his desire to play.
T – We can find a medication that works. (Not sure I believe this.)
F – Confident, dedicated
A – Keep trying new meds and tracking results
R – Find something that works or keep trying.