Being a parent is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. It is also a 24 hour a day, seven days a week job that does not allow sick days or vacations. Being a mother is also the most rewarding and amazingly happy times in your life. However, some people who suffer from depression can have difficulty with being a mother. It is extremely difficult to pretend to be happy when you are depressed and act like nothing is wrong in front of your children, especially when you do not even want to get out of bed.
The Facts
As if it is not hard enough to be a parent, try doing it when you just want to curl up in a ball and cry. Depression affects more than 17 million people in the United States and is the most common mental illness in America. To make it even more difficult, about two-thirds of people with depression do not get treatment although 80% of people with this disorder who do get help have a significant improvement in their symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes depression as a chronic depression of mood that lasts for an extended period. However, there are many kinds of depression, and sometimes it is difficult to determine which one you have.
Different Types of Depression
Although there are many types of depression, there are several that are more common than others. These include:
- Major Depression – This is the most common form of depression and is also the most difficult to live with. This condition consumes your entire life and causes a complete lack of interest in everything, changes in sleep and appetite, extreme lethargy, sadness, and feeling empty or worthless.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder – This is officially called dysthymia and is characterized by a sad mood that lasts for at least 24 months but does not always progress to a severe level as with major depression.
- Bipolar Disorder – Sometimes called manic-depressive disorder, this is an illness that causes periods of extreme sadness, depression, and lethargy alternating with episodes of mania with high energy, grandiosity, lack of need for sleep, and increased activity.
- Postpartum Depression – Also referred to as perinatal depression, this condition includes severe depressive episodes during pregnancy and within the first year after your baby is born. This disorder affects over 600,000 women every year and can become so severe that it may be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
Signs of Depression
Although some types of depression have unique symptoms, they all share some of the most typical signs, which include:
- Losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed
- Having a hard time concentrating
- Difficulty making decisions
- Memory Lapses
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Constant sadness or depression lasting more than two weeks
- Talking slowly or moving slower than usual
- Extreme fatigue or loss of energy
- Eating less or more than usual
- Weight gain or loss
- Feeling helpless, guilty, or worthless
- Unexplained bouts of crying
- Anger or aggressive outbursts
- Chronic pains or digestive issues
- Avoiding people and public places
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
What You Can Do
If you or someone you love has any of these symptoms, you need to talk to someone right away. Even if it is not constant or if the person seems okay at times. Some people can cover up their moods and sadness to prevent others from knowing how bad they are feeling. Talking to someone online is one of the easiest ways to get help. Online therapy has become the most effective and easiest ways to get treatment for those who are depressed. Especially for parents who have such a limited amount of free time. It does not get much more comfortable than online therapy so, try it today and you can feel better tomorrow.
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