New Here: Afraid that Seeking Help Will Result in CPS Taking My Children

My depression and fear of leaving the house has become significantly worse. I have very little income. I am afraid that seeking help from State or Government agencies will result in the therapist calling CPS because I am depressed. Without my Children there truly is no reason to continue

Was that a dumb question? Is anyone here? I am in such bad shape....

Hi Stuck,

I'm here. I know nothing of these matters but I know some in here do. You might want to put this in General where more people will see it. Not everyone visits each forum, but most will peek at General.

Welcome to PC.

Thank you for answering me. Sometimes it is as if I do not exist anymore.
Some one spoke to me today and I am safe in my house. It feels kind of good.

Hello Stuck,

I am sorry you are in such fear and pain. There are ppl here that care, I remember a time when my child was the only anchor to life, your not alone, post as much as you feel comfortable to share. PTSD effects so much of our lives..and those that we love, or love us, sorry that you are struggling with this pain and afraid to seek help. Take care.

Sorry you haven't had the replies you expected -yet. This is first I've been on this evening.

From what I know, no agency is eager to take children out of a safe, loving, environment to place into a stranger's care. What do you think will happen if you don't seek help NOW? Depression doesn't necessarily ease by itself, if you don't know how to help yourself, then your depression might deepen in the future. Why not seek help now?

You posted in PTSD but talk about depression.... do you also suffer with PTSD?

Welcome to PC, btw! TC

Hi there, Stuck. Nice to meet you, and welcome to PC.

Having depression is not grounds for taking your children away from you. Do you know how many moms have depression? Lots! Depression is like the common cold of mental health. But it is important for your sake, and also for the children, that you get treatment. PTSD makes it hard to trust people though, doesn't it?

I have kids, and have had depression for about as long as I can remember. Sometimes it got pretty bad. None of the counselors or therapists I went to ever called CPS or indicated that they had cause to. In fact, they were on my side when neighbors called about me for one reason or another (one was mad at me and used my daughter in order to get to me - there were never any investigations where they found any cause to validate the concerns). There was one time that I hurt myself and neighbors saw me, and they called CPS and said that I attempted suicide in front of my kids, which was not true. When the social worker came, I admitted that I was depressed, and when I said that I was in therapy she was fine with that (she did ask for my therapist's name) and never bothered me again. Being in therapy worked in my favor there, don't you think?

I hope that you will be able to get some treatment. In fact, in some states CPS has a budget to help families with needs such as getting therapy or even getting basics like groceries in a pinch. It's not my favorite agency, but they are there to help children and families, and would rather support a parent than take children away when that is feasible.

I hope this helps.

Rap

I agree with Rapunzel all the way.

I'm a single mom, raised my son on next to nothing, and I often was in therapy for anxiety, ptsd, and depression. Please reach out for help, it is very very worth it.

Please ask for help. The state is not your enemy and the kids really need you to get well. My best friend is in a similar situation and she gets assistance; not persecution. Accept the fear inside of you and make the call.

stuck my mom got help from the government and CPS didnt take me and my lil bro away...i think you should get help

Yeah, definately seek help. There are people out there who want to help. I am also trapped in my own house, afraid to leave, so getting help is important or it will only get worse to the point where you won't be able to raise your kids anyway. I think you should find a nice and compasionate T to help you through this. Good luck stuck!

Tanya

It is true that you should get help for food, whatever, it will show you can care for your kids with others help. I have the opposite problem after having help I am now making it on my own some now. It is transition to doing it with help to doing it on my own. I can't say I am doing it on my own, I rely alot on my employers compassion and understanding. She has made me able to help myself as well as my kids on day at a time.

Stuck,

I think you're in a bit of a dilemma.

Will you PM me and we can discuss?

Thanks,

EJ

I'm new to this site...just joined now. Your question is EXACTLY what I have been hoping to get answered for me. I have two children - I am the only legal parent of my oldest and my ex-husband has non-custodial rights to my youngest.

I was diagnosed with PTSD with physical pain and depression. I am in need of the right therapist and am afraid that if I don't do that soon, that I will lose it and be put somewhere and I'll lose my youngest to his father and my oldest would become a ward of the state as she'd then have no legal parents.

I've looked all over the internet and can't seem to find the answer....I've got to know. I don't know how much longer I can stay strong here.

The only time CPS is called is if you say you have harmed or neglected the kids, or if you say you plan to. A therapist does not want to do this but they are mandated and you do want people looking out for child's welfare. Get your needs met. Go to counseling, get food aid or whatever. You can show how much you care for the children by caring for yourself.

PTSD does not improve with time. Seek the help you need now, as it might take a few tries to find a T that you can work with and have help you, the sooner you begin to work on the disorder the less complicated it is, and CPS will admire you anyway (should they ever become involved) in you seeking expert help without being court ordered and in a middle of a crisis.

Hello. I am glad that you are reaching out for help. Have you emailed Doc John hereat Psych central? He can probably alleviate a lot of your fears of children services stepping in. if you get treatment for yourself for depression. The state generally tries in Ohio to keep the children together in a family structure, therefore if you seek treatment from a professional in a timely manner, before you become completely house ridden, you may help yourself by having an advocate on your side , by getting a profession to treat you for the depression, and your other problems. Depression can lead to feelings that feel scary, and many times with medication, a lot of the negative feelings can be helped, and behaviors can be changed with behavior modification techniques taught by a therapist.
I hope you seek treatment to help alleviate the fear of losing your children. NAMI ( national alliance on mental illness) and DBSA ( depression Bipolar Support alliance) both offer support groups in the local area that may be helpful to you as well, in order to allow you to get some support for yourself. Things can get better if you seek the treatment in a timely manner that you need at this time. I am leaving you my email address in case you need to email someone for support. Take care and good day Soidhonia

I can't say that CPS will be involved with your children. I can say though that you need to seek help from someone. As long as your kids are in a loving home and their needs are being met, then there shouldn't be a reason to remove them from the home. As long as there isn't any abuse being done to them. Depression and PTSD is something that you can't deal with alone. We are here and we also encourage you to seek professional help.

there is partial hospitalization. that way, you get help during the day while kids are in school.

Was curious as how you are doing? Have you been able to look for some help? Check in if you can.

Hey stuckinastrangedream are you around???