Parenting Through Depression

God intends for us to lead happy lives, yet millions of people suffer from depression. And a lot of them are parents.

Everyone has down moments and days, but depression is an all-consuming feeling of vulnerability and sadness. When you are depressed as a parent, it can throw the functioning of your whole family off. Your spouse and kids can get caught in the crossfire of your anxieties and sadness. Some forms depression can even be a debilitating condition; you may be falling short of performing your parenting responsibilities, leaving your children and spouse feeling confused and hurt.

It’s important to remember that depression is a widespread condition. It affects those in the faith and non-believers alike.

For parents, depression can be very confusing. We are supposed to feel complete, content, and confident in our roles. It can leave you not wanting to play with your child, unable to enjoy time with them. It can make you irritable and cross.

Depression consumes the mind and creating an emotional and psychological prison, not allowing you to enjoy your kids or the world around you. Many parents wonder if they are not a good enough parent, they see other parents that seem to cope better and may seem happier, and they wonder what they are doing wrong.

As Christians, depression can leave you feeling as if you are not living up to God’s plan for your life. These feelings of inadequacy can bring your helpless feeling even deeper into a pit of sadness and anger. It is imperative to understand that even God’s most faithful servants can be affected by depression. Job, for instance, was a man of great faith and honored the Lord, but that did not mean he did not feel sad, angry, or confused.

There are many causes of depression, and sometimes it seemingly arises out of nowhere. Regardless of where it comes from, never allow yourself to hide behind your sorrows and problems. Seek help. Your children will only benefit from your getting counseling.

If you are feeling as if you have lost your hope and you may be heading for a downward spiral, call upon people you trust to help you. Some of the people in your life will not be right for this task, and that is OK. Depression can leave some of your loved ones or even co-workers or acquaintances puzzled about your feelings. If you feel that the people in your life are losing patience with you, remember that this is hard on them as well. And always remember that God will not lose patience with you.

Find a counselor or pastor to whom you can confide. Open up to them and listen to godly advice on how to get relief from your depression.

Talk to your children if they have noticed that you are feeling blue. Kids are sensitive to their surroundings. It’s fundamental that you reassure them that they are not the problem. Even though parenting can bring on some depression, such as Postpartum Depression, it is never OK to blame your child.

Make a special time daily to meditate and focus on the beauty and hope in God’s words. Exercise while listening to Christian music. Both of these are great for your spirit.

Surround yourself with Godly people; allow them to uplift you in their prayers and hearts. Sometimes a heavy heart needs loving friends to help carry it.

Find activities at church that you enjoy or even an art class. Journaling is a good way to focus your feelings on something positive. A prayer journal is particularly good for this.

If you are a depressed mom or dad, you are not alone. Whatever you are going through, no matter the battle, God is with you. You also are not alone because depression affects so many. Depression can feel very isolating even though so many suffer. Do not feel ashamed for getting help or opening up about it. You are not a failure. Your children would much rather you seek help than have your depression negatively affect the family.