When you're in the throws of depression, the last thing you feel like doing is responding to one of your children. It doesn't sound nice to say it, but it's true. Often this is one of the hardest hurdles because we don't want to admit to anyone, that we really don't want to see the child for a while and need time alone! It could be misinterpreted as not caring. That is not it at all. We care for our children, but when you're not coping, you don't think rationally at all. Here's some tips to help you when you next feel this way:
1. Explain to your child that you're feeling a little sad right now, and need to spend some time alone in your room. Set a timer, if your child is a little young, for maybe 5 minutes, because that will feel long to them. Each time you do it, set it for a little longer so they get used to giving you some alone time.
2. If your child is young and still having sleeps, DO NOT use every sleep time to tidy or do washing etc. Set aside some time for yourself. Do something you really enjoy so you can recharge. You are VERY important- if you're not well, the whole family suffers.
3. If your children are older, an explanation about depression can also work to educate and allow them to understand you. Do not go into too much detail, but explain about how chemicals in your brain are unbalanced and you need to do certain things to try to restore the balance. They will become more understanding if you let them in.
This is just a snippet of information on putting some strategies in place within your family.
I hope it helps you this week.
Take care
Deb 9N8VGVZQ3U5D
