- from the members of the FAPG 4/98
- Allow yourself to get away on a short day trip, or overnight if possible.
- Talk about it with others who are willing to listen.
- Remember that when our kids are feeling down it isn't always just the FA- they are pre-teens, teenagers, young adults, or adults who are dealing with other things in life too.
- Consider that our children may be coming down with a virus or other illness that could be affecting them or their ataxia.
- Find someone for your child to talk to.
- Take a bubble bath with candles!
- Pray to your higher power for help.
- Purchase and read a book of daily meditations like "Simple Abundance", to provide a positive outlook on life.
- "Let go .... and let God." Sometimes there is just nothing more that we can do.
- Pray for other families with FA.
- Remember you are not alone, others on the list can relate to what you are experiencing.
- Take care of yourself and your needs.
- "Smile and bit the bullet - or just smile and close your eyes and think of something pleasant - somewhere and somehow there is a bright spot - even if it is only a sliver of light, there is hope."
- "Go into the bedroom, shut the door and let it all out." Never under estimate a good cry.
- "...know that we love you, and care about you, and will always listen." Others on the list care and will always listen anytime of the day or night.
- Help someone else. Service to others helps one forget their own troubles.