To the mom with depression,
The first time I saw a therapist, she was assessing my level of depression and asked, “Are you able to get your kids ready and take them to school?”
I said yes, of course, and then she said, “That’s good, that’s more than some people are able to do.”
And I was blown away. It never occurred to me that others were suffering so much they couldn’t do that, because what I already felt was unbearable enough.
The littlest things you are able to do matter. Give yourself credit for what you CAN do.
Every day we do 1,000 things and they all take effort. We each have different levels of energy and mental capacity to complete the necessary tasks in our lives, and when we are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental illness, it can feel like you are completely depleted.
During these times, I find that it does help to recognize all you ARE doing. Getting up, taking care of your kids, providing them meals (even if it’s just chicken nuggets or takeout…YES, that counts). It takes a lot to keep kids alive, and you are doing it!
And if you’re not in a place where you can do things like take your kids to school, my heart goes out to you. Depression sucks, and the fatigue and mental paralysis is unreal.
Please know that you deserve to not only function, but be happy. Reach out for help. I’m so glad I finally went to a therapist even though it took me YEARS to do so. Even with antidepressants, I needed more help. And that’s MORE than okay.
Taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s self-care, and your family will benefit so much from a healthier you.
You matter!
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