I have struggled with depression since my daughter was born 6 years ago. It's been a lot worse lately and I have struggled keeping my symptoms from my kids, especially my daughter. She is shy and sensitive herself and I am scared to death I am going to screw her up! I think of how I grew up, with now real strong female role models, an alcohic dad and a victim of bullying my whole life. I just want to do right my her and help her build a strong sense of herself now.
I look forward to reading posts and getting to know you all. Also, hopefully to learn some great things to help me and my daughter in our journey together!
Welcome to the group. I've found lots of great hints here, and I think you will, too. I think before we can help our kids, we have to find help ourselves. There are lots of counseling services available. Are you getting any professional help? Lots of support here in the group as well. I think you might feel better if you didn't hide your symptoms, otherwise she may feel she has to hide her feeling from you. You can explain things in terms that are age appropriate for her, but not a lie that you'll have to retract at some point. Children often understand our actions more than what we say. It's obvious that you have the will to give your daughter a better life and you have it within yourself to do so. Good luck with your journey. I look forward to hearing how things progress for you.
Welcome to the group. I'm sorry to hear you are struggling. I know what you are going through. I've struggled with depression since I was a teenager and there are a lot of mental illness and depression problems in my family.
My best advice, be honest with your daughter and get the help you need to get better. Your daughter will likely struggle with the same thing some day and it will help her to know she isn't alone. Depression isn't anything to be ashamed of and you aren't going to screw her up.
Happy Mothers's Day!
- Burnz
on Jun. 13, 2012 at 5:48 PM