Follow Author If you are a parent, and you are dealing with depression, then you are not the only one who is feeling its effects, your entire family feels them. When mom or dad are fighting depression, everyone in the family experiences changes in their mood. They are not able to handle their daily chores and they are not able to be themselves any longer. In case the parents have young children, there are chances they not to understand how irritability, withdrawal and fatigue can affect the mental health of a person. They are signs that the person who is experiencing them is dealing with a condition they are not able to fight without help. If you are a parent, and you are dealing with depression, here is what you should know about it.
Your depression has a great influence on your children
In case the mother is experiencing depression, then the children will feel the effects more intense, than if the father would fight this condition. Depression in parents during the childhood years of their kids has a great impact on the way the little ones externalize or internalize their behaviours. It is important parents to do their best to fight depression, in order to prevent their children developing emotional problems.
You should have an open dialogue with your children
It is important to tell your children that they are not at fault for your feelings and changes in mood. When the children feel that something is not right with their parents, they assume themselves the role of caretaker. Depression in parents makes children to try to do things better in order their parents to not suffer. Tell them that you are getting the needed help, and they should not try to parent you, because it is your role to take care of them.
Ask for help
It is important to search for help if you are dealing with depression, especially because you have children. You should do your best your children not to lack the care they need, ask your partner and relatives to offer you support during this period. They will be more than willing to assist you. The majority of people who are fighting depression consider quite difficult to share their feelings with their family, and to ask them for help. But keep in mind that you are doing it for the good of your family. You will recover more quickly if you receive help.
Published by Cynthia Madison
