On: July 9, 2017 In: Parent With: 10 Comments Inside: Stay-at-home-mom depression is very real, but it's rarely talked about. If you don't live somewhere where you're accepted and loved for who you are, I strongly suggest looking for an online community that supports LGBTQ+ parents. Triggers are an important point of discussion. Mental illness in children does not always manifest in the same way as it does in adults. Finding a health care provider that values women of color and listens to their concerns can be a monumental task. Basically it releases a whole bunch of feel good endorphins in your body and makes you happier. If you're not considering self-harm or harming others but you are experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety: Anxiety is often co-morbid with depression, meaning that it can occur simultaneously. Because we get to spend more time with our kids and "live the dream" we are expected to always have an unquenchable joy. You really come with fantastic articles and reviews. While depression can present from no clear source, there can be events that prompt and exacerbate symptoms. Explain to them the importance of taking regular breaks when using technology for learning instead of working in large blocks and then just shutting off. Get.MovingI love Healthy Moving for a relaxing yet stimulating workout. Its no wonder then that homeschooling moms experience it. Bless you for sharing with us your blog. Then it was something I faced on a regular basis over the course of several years. Documentaries can help relax your schedule. Im actually getting better at this on the homeschool front but I have to watch myself or I slip back into this very dangerous territory! As Christians, we may expect to have no problems with depression as long as our faith is strong enough. Depression affects millions of moms, including me. Its worth noting that depression can be exceedingly lonely. It's not only okay for you to take time for yourself, but it's also something you must do to prevent mommy burnout. 1. The combination can create denial which prevents us from getting the help we need. That's wonderful! Seek a counselor or therapist who is . online community that supports LGBTQ+ parents. Explore what kinds of activities art, video games, cooking, reading can capture their focus at times of distress. I was bringing my failures to the Lord in repentance and asking for His help in overcoming them. On this episode of HomeschoolingIRL, we dive into another difficult discussion about depression among homeschooling moms. The problem for many homeschooling moms with depression is expectations. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. So even though its winter and freaking freezing outside Im trying to incorporate more indoor exercise into my daily life. It doesnt define me its just one aspect of who I am. Im a Christian psychologist turned homeschooling mother of six. The good news is neither you nor your child is powerless to break this cycle. Meaning that although many stay at home moms have depression, that doesn't mean that staying at home causes depression. I put it on my kids or my husband for not doing their part and I begin to stomp around the house angrily muttering to myself or even going so far as to tell them they are at fault. There are ways to cope with homeschool mom depression. If you're trying to cope after the birth of your baby, you may wonder how long postpartum depression lasts. We avoid using tertiary references. Homeschooling with Depression Strategies 1. We tend to grow during adversity, but it isnt easy either!! If your children are old enough, allow them to help out a little bit more than usual until you feel better. You are not crazy, and you are not alone. Yet I knew the ultimate solution for my depression was in the Lord Jesus, and I was aware that His communication to me came through His Word. Your advice is spot on. This post may contain affiliate links. One of the main problems is that while many think they might know what depression looks like, its not clear cut and is often subjective. I mean, after all every 5 4 year old needs to know a second language and be able to read at college level, right? Every where we turn its touted as necessary and needful for our kids futures to start them earlier and earlier in academics. Those all had to be transformed by the renewing of my mind with the Word and then obediently using what I was learning. Zeezok Music Appreciation Curriculum Review {& Giveaway}, 5 Helpful Tips When Teaching a Special Needs Child to Read, http://7sistershomeschool.com/2012/11/06/but-seriously-folks-the-power-of-laughter-in-your-homeschool/, 5 Scripture Prayers When Your Child is Afraid, 7 Fun Ways to Connect With Your Kids (without screens). Homeschooling can exacerbate the symptoms of stay at home parent depression because you are with your children all the time even after they reach school age and most parents get a *small* respite during the day. A LOT of stay-at-home parents have depression. I'm at home with my baby and I'm considering suicide. and you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harming others: . For our children, it can be a particularly confusing and distressing experience that has the potential to affect their learning. In my experience, sometimes medical practitioners seem to value my children's wellbeing over mine. Its really tempting to sit down and cry after youve cleaned all morning and your house still looks like ground zerojust saying! Try to stick as closely as possible to your normal bedtime and your normal time for getting up in the morning. And then the questioning and discouragement sets in. She loves to talk about Jesus, writing, mental health, parenting, and neurodivergencies. If you're experiencing postpartum depression (PPD), there are several things you can do at home to cope. Those with depression typically sleep too much or not at all. Our school year is all switched around because we lost a month extra due to packing and unpacking every year. Even though that depression lasted over the course of about eight of our thirty years of homeschooling, He gave me many more homeschooling years without depression than with it. I have several workout regimens from Healthy Moving by Jen Hoffman that I LOVE! And baby blues never make you consider suicide. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. National Health Service of England states that depression can be caused by tons of different factors. By Meagan Spread the love Homeschooling is one of the most amazing and exhausting adventures you will ever take on. Postpartum depression caused me to suffer so much anxiety and depression that I was suicidal. While researches cant pinpoint exactly what causes postpartum depression in all cases, they do know what contributes to it. , self-care can be an effective route. Even if its just 5 minutes it grounds you! I don't know you personally, but I have personally lived through stay at home mom depression. Even if you dont feel like doing it, take a walk outside if its a nice day. When I first became depressed as a mom, I was unable to keep my job and we lost half of our income. Does a depressed homeschool mom feel like reading her Bible? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This post in the first of a series that will be taking an honest look at common homeschool struggles. It will be much better to set a reachable goal than to try to keep up with a regular schedule that you simply cant maintain at the time. I usually walked with my mom or with Steve so I had companionship and communication during the exercise, too. Consider cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for your child, which helps many people manage abnormal anxiety. In some ways, I am. And Im in a season of life where its a tremendous hassle to get everyone together and buckled in the car. Having the right support is important here. It has been an insane journey and in many ways I wouldnt trade it for the strength it has given to my relationship with God. Seriously I hate cardio though I do it some because I know its good for me. Can you imagine how not doing those things would have fueled my depression because often depression can lead to a vicious cycle? Tips for Homeschooling an Anxious Child - TheHomeSchoolMom 25% of stay at home parents have depression, according to Gallup Polls. Exercise. You don't have to suffer through this. But I dont really have that option most of the time. Depression is relatively common. Talking to someone. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, Protecting Our Children from Porn. We may live in fear that if we admit to struggling, our children may be forced to go to school. Her oldest child has autism, and Wendy began homeschooling her at age 2. Follow Kimberly on Facebook or Twitter. But here lately its been happening more and more. With children, it can be useful to engage them in group activities, so that they can also disrupt the isolation they may be feeling when learning at home. You're so lucky you don't have to work. faith-based living for generations to come! You are actively trying to find the best answer for you and your children. Postpartum rage and postpartum depression are both on the spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. My mom points to my current career as evidence that it worked but I actually can't do intermediate math. Its important for them to understand that Mommy doesnt always have it all together and thats ok. I even started taking my youngest childs school work outside to do with her because it made me feel so much better just to be out of the house. I hope the following post is just what you were looking for. One that I never would have made it through without proper care from a doctor and therapist. They can see you struggle, and they can learn from watching you overcome. Considering people of color receive much poorer health care than white people in the U.S. Much like in preventing parents from. Dads who stay at home and suffer from depression should know that they're not alone. July 17, 2023. They tackle the tough topics and get real. With children, it can be useful to engage them in group activities, so that they can also disrupt the isolation they may be feeling when learning at home. May God bless you and keep you during your difficult time. I usually keep it a quiet, personal struggle. She is a Christian, homeschooling, work-from-home mom. We all know that homeschool can be a challenging environment for kids. And my mom just called it "the teenage blues" and that ill get over it. . I watched the first year of my sons life through a fish bowl. Having a schedule was a lifeline to me as I managed homeschooling with depression. How do you avoid burnou. My new goal is to take 10-15 minutes first thing in the mornings and do one of her workouts. does not always manifest in the same way as it does in adults. When we were very low income and couldn't even rent a movie from Red Box on Friday night, I hated being a stay-at-home mom. Depression Not all homeschool moms struggle with depression. In her book, Confessions of a Depressed Homeschool Mom, NaConda taps into her world of struggling with these two mental illnesses as she strives to successfully . Go . If you are ever feeling like you are in a critical state and may harm yourself or your family, please reach out to one of these immediate, FREE help resources: Text Depression Hotline Text CONNECT to 741741, Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christs power may rest on me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9. The good days outweigh the bad for the most part. Indeed, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) outlined that it is common for depression to combine with anxiety during childhood. Blessings to you. Go for a walk with them, have lunch, [plan] meet-ups, etc. It's hard to hide from reality when it's written down in black and white. Fourth, do something you enjoy every day. Subscriber-only printables and discounts will be sent your way, too. Talk with your kids about this and encourage openness when they experience them. Free shipping for many products! Certain types of depression are unique to women, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, therapist or other mental health professional, cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db303.htm, who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression, cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/depression/index.htm, 7 Ways to Cope with Postpartum Depression, The Best and Worst Parts of Being a Mom with a Mental Illness, Postpartum Rage: The Unspoken Emotion of New Motherhood, 12 Ways New Parents Can (and Should) Ask for Help, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, 5 Things I Wish I Knew About Postpartum Anxiety Before My Diagnosis. White allies should listen and help implement change that addresses the discrepancy in health services in the U.S. No amount of self-care, babysitting nights, or online shopping would have made it possible to for me to deal with my depression as a stay-at-home mom. So if you do then you need a lot more help than this article can give you. But when I begin to focus on Christ and what He has blessed me with and the responsibility I have to rejoice and give thanks I feel better. You can and should reach out to a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, trusted doctor, community leader, and/or your friends. Depression can get to be too much if you arent coping well, or have no support. Sam Bowman is a writer who enjoys getting to utilize the internet for community without actually having to leave his house. When you have multiple people there.All.Day.Long it is extremely hard to keep clean. Theyre attempting to engage academically while navigating the difficulties of personal growth and social pressures.