Miranda is a 28-year-old married, heterosexual woman, who comes to the family service agency seeking support following the recent death of her mother. Miranda complains of feeling sad every day, having difficulty sleeping and having difficulty parenting her three children, Marta age 8, Jose age 5, and Teresa age 3. Miranda and her family moved here from South America six years ago, as her husband found employment with a trucking company that paid significantly more money than he could earn in South America. Miranda’s mother moved with them and was living with Miranda, her husband, and her children when she died. Miranda’s mother was diagnosed with stage 4, metastasized lung cancer 8 months ago. Her death one month prior to Miranda’s initial appointment was surprising to Miranda as she had hoped that the treatment would work and would result in remission.
Miranda reports with pride that her elder daughter Marta is doing well in second grade. She describes her as a good girl who helps around the house and helps Miranda care for the younger children. Jose is currently attending preschool. Miranda reports some concerns about his behaviour as preschool teachers have been expressing concern to her that he may have ADHD. He is often in trouble at school and has difficulty following directions and focusing on simple tasks such as drawing pictures and listening during story circles. She reports that her relationship with her husband is good and that he is a good man, but that he is frequently away from home due to his job, which sometimes requires that he transport materials across the state. He is sometimes away from home for 2 or 3 nights in a row.
Miranda presents as very sad and tearful. She is seeking some relief from her sadness and some way to cope with the general stress of her current life circumstances
_____________________
It’s understandable that she’s feeling sad and overwhelmed with everything that has happened. It’s positive to hear that she has sought support from a family service agency. The agency can provide her with assistance and resources to help her navigate this difficult time.
Given the information provided, it seems like Miranda is dealing with multiple stressors. The death of her mother, the responsibilities of parenting three young children, concerns about her son’s behavior, and her husband’s frequent absence due to work can all contribute to her feelings of sadness and stress. It’s important for Miranda to receive support and coping strategies to help her manage these challenges.
In such a situation, a professional therapist or counselor can be of great help. They can provide a safe space for Miranda to express her emotions, process her grief, and develop coping mechanisms. Additionally, therapy can help her address her difficulties in parenting, explore her concerns about her son’s behavior, and develop strategies to manage any potential ADHD symptoms.
A therapist may also suggest strategies for self-care, as Miranda’s emotional well-being is crucial in managing her current circumstances. This could involve incorporating activities she enjoys, finding time for relaxation, and establishing a support system to lean on during difficult times.
It’s important for Miranda to know that seeking help is a positive step, and there are professionals available who specialize in assisting individuals and families facing similar challenges. The family service agency can provide her with referrals to therapists or counselors who have experience in grief counseling, parenting support, and working with families from diverse backgrounds.
Remember, everyone’s journey through grief is unique, and it may take time for Miranda to find the right support and coping mechanisms. Encouraging her to reach out to professionals who can guide her through this process will be beneficial for her and her family’s well-being.
