Help with Depression

[Logged out]

Logged out for privacy. I am a regular here but want to keep my privacy with this matter. I have been feeling depressed for some time now. Lately over the past couple months things have only gotten worse. I have tried small life changes to help improve but I just can't pull out of it. I pretend I am ok for the daycare kids and parents but it's getting harder to hide my misery. It's not my job really, I love what I do I love teaching kids the basics and watching them grow here. It's just everything rolled into one I guess. I also have a difficult child at times (ADHD among other disorders) Maybe I even a chemical imbalance who knows. I just have a full plate with the daycare kids, my own child, pets, family, money, and certain clients that just thrive in chaos and drama bring it in to my daycare. I battle it well, blowing off and just enforcing policies with a smile and a kind word. I just am at the end of my rope today. I was already feeling very down almost lethargic forcing myself about today on the verge of tears. I pushed through to get my last out the door. Come to find out the client did not even work today! She is not permitted child care unless working so she lied obviously. She wouldnt look me in the eye or give a straight answer to anything I asked. (wasnt dressed for work) To top it off she had friends with her also no answer for that. I just stood there getting more depressed because I could have been resting instead of tending to someone elses kids. I don't mean to turn this to a vent I'm sorry I just need some help. I picked up the phone to call for support but I worry they will take my license and job away. I am not a danger to anyone or myself. I just have a lot on my plate right now and can't seem to keep my head above water. I cry easily and am just so tired and even sore lately. I don't have many clients so money is another issue I battle. I just need someone to show me how to cope and manage things better. I guess if I have to go to a therapist I will but I just dont want to risk my daycare. Is there some place on line that can help me? Any advise, links, info, etc is greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Have you spoken to a Doctor about this? Are you on any supplements or medications?

My general Doctor prescribed me Prozac before I was pregnant. I stopped taking it during my pregnancy. My baby died, and after I delivered her I started taking it again. It has helped tremendously. We live in a society that tells us to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, but sometimes that just isn't possible. Some people's depression is not situational. Some people's depression is chemical.

You might give Positive Thoughts a try. It's a supplement. http://www.amazon.com/Source-Natural...4702592&sr=8-1

[LittleD]

Have you spoken to your doctor? Are you on medication? There is something called situational depression. There must be an anonymous support number you can call to talk with some one. When you are feeling depressed, sometimes just speaking with someone does a world of wonders. During winter months SAD is common (Seasonal affective disorder)Symptoms usually build up slowly in the late autumn and winter months.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002499/

There are herbal remedies like St Johns wort or ginseng, but you shouldn't take anything without consulting your doctor first.

[Michael]

Sorry to hear this. My wife had a bad bout with postpartum depression after our daughter's birth. She did not want to take medication and her acupuncturist recommended St John Wort and Kava Kava. http://www.viable-herbal.com/combos/herbs/c640.htm

After initially watching her get worse everyday, she started taking the St John Wort and Kava Kava and I could see her regaining herself a little each day. After a couple weeks she was much better. Always consult your doctor first.

I think you need to treat your mind, body and spirit as a whole. I once was diagnosed with a life threatening ailment (it was an incorrect diagnosis) but for 2 years I thought I was dying. I found that my mind would dwell on negatives and I had to make an effort to think of the positive things that I had taken for granted. It can be a downward spiral unless you manage your thoughts first. Even the littlest negative thing can warp into larger thinking problems. Catch yourself when this happens and focus on anything/event/person/smell that makes you feel good. And keep at it.

I had a grandmother that would always laugh and whenever I thought I had a problem she would say "don't worry about it". Everything always turns out ok. She lived to be 100 years old.

Its a process but like anything you can start right now this minute. Good luck.

[Country Kids]

I think we have all been there at one time or another! I so know where you are coming from and there are several avenues you can take.

Start with your doctor and see what they say. Do you have clergy or someone at your church you could talk to or a close, close friend?

Daycare is very wearing, isolated, and really can take a toll on you mentally and physicall. Your not the first nor the last to feel this way but it is very, very hard. I know, believe me.

If you would like to pm me, I am willing to talk to you more in depth if you would like. Your forum name will remain completely annomous so don't worry there.

[Mom&Provider]

Talk to you doctor about this, it's important. Many medications are out there and do work for people who experience the emotions you are feeling and many also seek someone to talk to, which can help also.

We always seem to over look ourselves, never giving how WE feel a 2nd thought since so many women/mothers/caregivers have so many other things on our plates (as you said), BUT we can't over look everything forever, you need to start feeling better emotionally, go and talk to someone or give medication a try...it can help and you'll be thankful you did it for YOU!

Don't ever assume it will go away or that it can be covered up, many many MANY people suffer from different emotional issues at some point in their lives and it's nothing to be embarrassed about either. No one even needs to know you are seeking help!

[Michael]

If you would like to pm me, I am willing to talk to you more in depth if you would like. Your forum name will remain completely annomous so don't worry there.

I would even suggest you use the CHAT room which allows for PRIVATE CHAT between two members.

[Luna]

Please talk to a doctor. Mental health is as important as physical health, please don't be afraid to get the help you need and deserve.

[Country Kids]

I would even suggest you use the CHAT room which allows for PRIVATE CHAT between two members.

Thank you Michael! Yes, if you would like to chat pm me and I can meet you in the chat room.

[ILMommy]

I've worked in a pharmacy the last nine years that's inside a family practice clinic. I promise you, there are many people seeking help for feelings like yours. And there is no reason you should even worry about your daycare. I can't speak for your particular area, but in my town I think at least 90% home daycare providers I filled prescriptions for take anti-depressant/anti-anxiety meds. We have 1 daycare center in town...every worker there that I knew of takes medication for depression. Doctors, nurses, pharmacist, professors, police officers, lawyers, ect...there is no profession where you can't find people who have needed help for depression of some sort. Your primary doctor is the best place to start. If medication is something something you're comfortable with and your doctor thinks it would help, don't think twice about what others may think. Your records are confidential, no one can release information on you about the kind of care you have or the kind of medication you are prescribed without your written consent. The same goes for seeing a counselor or psychologist. It's incredibly common, and against the law to give out any identifying details. Seeking help will make you a better caregiver and make you feel better physically as well.

[kathiemarie]

So many things are tied to our mental health. You should go to the doctors and get a full work up. Low thyroid and iron can make you depressed. I know I have both and I battle depression eveyday. I would see a doctor before you start any over the counter meds. St. jonhs wort is one you should not take if you have low thyroid. If you have questions please PM me and I will do my best to answer them.

[Country Kids]

I've worked in a pharmacy the last nine years that's inside a family practice clinic. I promise you, there are many people seeking help for feelings like yours. And there is no reason you should even worry about your daycare. I can't speak for your particular area, but in my town I think at least 90% home daycare providers I filled prescriptions for take anti-depressant/anti-anxiety meds. We have 1 daycare center in town...every worker there that I knew of takes medication for depression. Doctors, nurses, pharmacist, professors, police officers, lawyers, ect...there is no profession where you can't find people who have needed help for depression of some sort. Your primary doctor is the best place to start. If medication is something something you're comfortable with and your doctor thinks it would help, don't think twice about what others may think. Your records are confidential, no one can release information on you about the kind of care you have or the kind of medication you are prescribed without your written consent. The same goes for seeing a counselor or psychologist. It's incredibly common, and against the law to give out any identifying details. Seeking help will make you a better caregiver and make you feel better physically as well.

This is so true! I was involved with a homeschool group and one of the moms one time said she was amazed at the number of ladies in the group who was on some sort of medication for depression/anxiety. I do know alot of people in our area are on something to because of the winters, rainy grey and cold. Alot of people here also suffer from SAD.

[Michael]

If you have questions please PM me and I will do my best to answer them.

If the member is logged out she can not PM. I think a private chat would be the best bet if she can post it here first that she will be available in the chat area. Actually, she can email me and I will PM you if need be. director@daycare.com

[Ariana]

Please do not feel ashamed or embarassed, like others have said there are so many people battling depression and anxiety. I would strongly urge you to talk to your DR and see what they suggest. Maybe even getting it off your chest and opening up to someone outside your circle will help you tremendously. Sometimes we bottle things up for so long that we end up in crisis. If talking doesn't help then there are many medication options.

As someone who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder I can attest to the positive effects of St.John's Wort as Michael has suggested. It does take quite a while to work though so you might need professional help in the meantime.

Sending you virtual hugs

[AmyLeigh]

Please get help. I dealt with clinical depression with suicidal ideations for years before breaking down and seeking help. It was the best thing I ever did for myself and my family. I was on meds and in cognitive therapy (individual and group) for the greater part of a year. My doctor told me that meds work, therapy works, but they work more than twice as well when used together.
I still have periods of 'down' feelings, but not nearly as bad as it was. I can go back to the tools I learned from my therapist to prevent the moods from getting darker, so to speak. I am a much better person, wife, mother, friend, etc, because of it.