Are you feeling lost and overwhelmed in managing your depression while still having to care for little ones? Over 16 million other adults are dealing with the same problem. Managing depression as a parent can be extremely difficult and hard to balance, but there are ways to better manage those feelings and get relief. As a parent, we know that no matter how you are feeling, someone has to get the job done. What if you are always that person? Parenting in general is hard, but doing it with little or no support while also trying to manage your own mental health can be exhausting. Here is a few tips that might be helpful for you:
- Talk to your doctor
- Seek help from a counselor
- Connect with a support group (often there are even online options)
- Implement a regular routine
- Meditate
- Start journaling
- Take a hot bath
- Read a book or listen to an audio book
- Listen to a podcast
- Try exercise
I know what you are probably thinking – I hardly have time to breathe, much less take time out of the day for myself! At least half of this list can be achieved through technology. Did you know that most insurances offer counseling and doctor visits through video calls? Both of these could be done on your lunch break or even while your children are napping! Life can be chaotic and implementing a routine can be beneficial to everyone in the home. Self care is so important, whether you are managing depression or not. Make sure that you are taking the time to care for yourself before you have nothing else to give to others. Even just five minutes a day spent doing something you WANT to do, not because you HAVE to do it, can make a huge difference. Lastly, remember you are not alone!
If you are looking for a counselor to help you manage your depression, our team offers online and in-person appointments in Boaz, Huntsville, and Jacksonville, Alabama. You can contact us today at (256) 239-5662 or by clicking here.
Sources:
Anxiety disorders and depression research & treatment. Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2021, from https://adaa.org/.
This article was written by Kristin Hurst. Learn more about Kristin here.