Mother’s of Incarcerated Children Community Group
Coping with kids in jail
I am so lost right now. My son was arrested almost a month ago, and is currently being detained in county jail. His attorney has submitted applications for Drug Court, hopefully he will be accepted, I feel this may be the only way he will get the help he needs. He is bipolar and has been self medicating himself for several years. If convicted, he faces 5-10 years, he is 20.
I have watched him spiral out of control, doing whatever I could to get him help, both mental and drug related. I have so much guilt and anger in me over this, I feel like I am the one with a jail sentence. I can't get past this complete feeling of disappointment, dispare, guilt and helplessness. I can't focus on much and am constantly on the verge of tears.
I have a deep feeling that I failed my son and no matter what I do, I can't not feel this way. I am so hurt and broken and don't have any idea how to pick up the pieces and put my life back together.
I am still at the anger stage of his choices, even though I know in my heart it is because of some type of mental illness and addictions, I still feel disappoint and frustration, I am hoping to develop empathy very soon. I wish I could give you an encouraging word right now. But, please know you are not the only Mom going through this!!
I too feel like an absolute failure. Read some of the other messages on this sight. They helped me tremendously a day after my son went to jail. Unfortunately I cannot write much right now because I have a doctors appointment, another horrible situation I am currently facing.
Keep the faith and try to remember "Let Go and Let God". Don't forget to take care of you, so you can be a good Mom for him now! Prayers for you!!