Kid's Dealing with Parent's Depression

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-02-2003
Kid's Dealing with Parent's Depression
2
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 4:16pm

My daughter just started the 1st grade. Within the last two weeks I have realized I am depressed, I have been acting out with verbal anger towards my husband (and more mildly towards my daughter). I explained to her in a moment of sanity that I wasn't angry with her or anything she was doing wrong, but that mommy was sick and need to see a doctor to help make my (anger, exhaustion, crying, etc...) go away. She seemed okay with that and is giving me extra hugs and tells me often that she loves me.


What worries me is yesterday when she came home from school there was a picture in her backpack, she had colored at school. The sentence at the top said, "Sometimes I am SAD and MAD." Under it she had drawn a picture of a rainy day with a stick person with black curliques all around it, it also looked like red flames on the top of its head. I asked her if this is how she feels and she said no, but how can I be sure? I worry so much about myself and getting better but I am seriously worried about how this is affecting my daughter. I wonder if seeing a counselor would help but we live in a rural area and the only "mental health" available is for juvenile delinquents.


My mother suffered from severe mood disorders when I was growing up and I can remember how much it hurt to see my mom "lose it." On the flip-side my mother never admitted she had a problem or sought treatment. It wasn't until after she passed away and I saw myself following her patterns that I realized there ever was a problem.


So how do your children handle your depression? Any suggestions on

 

 

 
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 8:50pm

Welcome to the board.

Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Thu, 08-26-2004 - 2:42pm
Hi, its great that you are aware of this and want to change whats going on. Please continue to be open with your daughter and try to say it so as not to scare her. I believe that her drawing is definitely a reflection of her feelings. I suppose she said no about it because she was afraid of your reaction such as anger, worry, stress, etc? She must have a lot of stress on her right now dealing with this so I would suggest that you try and find a counsellor or someone who can help her besides you. Also try to really focus on yourself and making yourself better. Treat yourself to nice things like a bath, etc. I think actions speak louder than words so when she sees you take good care of yourself, it will set a strong example for her. I wish you the best, HUGS