Andrew Schimmer's 8-Year-Old Son Said, 'Sometimes I'm Depressed Because Mom's Not Home'

After almost a year of staying in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Quezon City, Johromy 'Jho' Rovero, partner of actor Andrew Schimmer, was able to go home on October 11.

It was a memorable moment for their family and the hospital staff until Jho suffered from a high fever and infection, just a week after. She had to be readmitted to the ICU and has been staying there since October 17.

Jho has been admitted to St. Luke's Medical Center since November 1 last year, due to a severe asthma attack that resulted in cardiac arrest and brain hypoxia. 

In an interview with Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, Andrew recounted their struggle but emphasized that he never thought of giving up on Jho. However, he also can't help but feel devastated not only as a husband but also in playing the role of a father and mother to their two kids.

"She's very responsive, she's very conscious. But at the end of the day, mag-si-sink in lahat, nandun siya nakahiga, you are still helpless, you are just waiting," he said.

Andrew's children Andrea and Xander could only hope for their mom's complete recovery and homecoming.

Xander, who is eight years old, shared what he misses the most about his mom. "I miss surprising her. I miss her coming back. I sometimes go to my room and think that my mom is still here. Sometimes I'm depressed because mom's not home."

In September, Jho tried to hug him back.

READ ALSO: How Parents Can Help Kids Deal With Negative Emotions In A Positive Way

Andrew gave an update to his social media followers that Jho's condition has been improving after undergoing dialysis. "Bumababa na yung sodium. Malayo na sa life and death situation," he assured.

Andrea, their firstborn, is just grateful for their mom's life. "Miracle talaga na na-save namin si mommy."

Xander said, "I really, really love her so much."

Andrew is hopeful that he can soon bring Jho back home despite what other people think and tell them. "Sinabi nila sa akin, 'Di na gigising asawa mo,' gumising. 'Di na magnonormalize yan,' nag-gain ng consciousness. Meron po tayong final say, nandun po siya (pointing upwards)."

In their YouTube channel, Andrew has been sharing updates from the hospital. "Nagiging okay na siya dahan-dahan. I'm so very very happy. Thank you sa lahat ng mga nagdadasal para sa kanya. Sa mga doctors dito sa ICU, I love you, thank you."

How to help children manage difficult and negative emotions

In an extraordinary situation such as caring for a sick loved one, children are the most vulnerable. When they express their emotions of sadness and grief, as parents, we should not just ignore or dismiss them. We tend to protect them from such negative emotions, but experts say, doing this won't help in the long run.

Here are some ways how we can help our children manage difficult emotions.

1. Teach them to label their emotions

If they are aware of their feelings and how to communicate them, they will be able to manage them better, according to the Gottman Institute. For example, if you see that they are upset, start by validating their feelings and tell them what you can observe, and next time, they will be able to label their emotions already.

Instead of saying, "Don't be sad! Mom is getting better." 

You can say, "I can see that you are upset because mom is sick, but we have to trust that the doctors are doing the best that they can for her to get well soon."

2. Recognize that feelings are signals.

"Feelings can be painful, but trying to avoid them only makes them more powerful," said Lauren Stockly, LCSW, RPT-S, ECMHS, PPSC, a child and adolescent mental health therapist.

As parents, it's our responsibility to teach our children that while some emotions are negative, they all have an important purpose. Also, as Very Well Family pointed out, they have the power to control them. Asking your child to suppress their negative feelings will not solve anything.

Teach them to express their emotions appropriately, by giving options on how they can make themselves calm down. You can take them outside to play or socialize with their friends, or introduce them to a new hobby that they can do at home.

3. Seek professional help when needed.

If you don't know how else you can help your child who might be experiencing extreme sadness or depression, remember that you are not alone. You may share your thoughts to other parents at the Smart Parenting Village and connect with them if they have similar experiences. Nevertheless, don't hesitate to seek help from a psychologist.

READ ALSO: Important Words To Help Your Child With Depression When She Won't Open Up

Parents, take a break too! Meditation can sometimes help. Watch this video of a dad trying yoga for the first time.