Motivation tips, coping with depression and 2 kids!

[caned_and_unable]

Hi was wondering if anyone had some good tips on motivation and coping with depression when you have children at home. I feel so tired all the time then I feel really guilty for not being the fun enthusiastic mum I used to be. Everything seems such an effort and is forced. I push myself to do stuff all the time but it's just so unenjoyable and I feel awful for feeling like this. Need a boost.

[Buttercup]

Sadly, no advice, but you're not alone, I have 4 children, the eldest is 8 and the youngest 3.  It's tough and I hate feeling the way I do.  I can completely relate to you when you say everything is a struggle.  I just hold onto the fact that my children don't seem to mind, they get the toys out and they're happy.  Sometimes I use the tv.  When its really bad I put them in the car and go for a drive and the playpark.  That way I can sit and they run around. 

Hold faith in the hope that it will get better  &*( &*( &*(

[caned_and_unable]

Unfortunately I can't drive think things would be alot better for me if I could as I'm always stuck in the house. I've moved out of my home town for a better life for my kids but it's taking it's toll on me, but their worth it. It's hard cos some days I feel like doing nothing and thats just impossible. Hoping the meds will kick in soon. :-) thanks for your reply feel free to message me if you ever need to chat it's nice to talk to some one who is going through the same thing. How everything goes ok for you.

[Buttercup]

I don't know what I would do if I couldn't drive.

I'm bipolar, currently depressed with it though and suppose to avoid stress, great with 4 children today is a better day for me.

Feel free to message me as well. Sometimes it's a life saver to be able to talk on here  :)

[caned_and_unable]

Or bless ya you've got it both ends. What meds are working for your depression? I've been on prozac (didn't work) now on citalopram but not looking good, trying to get dose upped but doctors making me wait till easter, feels like forever to me, alright for them to say that they don't have to live like this. I've got atypical depression which makes you want to be very lazy which its no good with 2 kids. God knows how you manage 4.

[Buttercup]

I was on Prozac which worked for me at 40 mg but then it's not great for bipolar so had to stop it as I was getting a little speeded up. At the moment I can't take anything apart from the mood stabilisers.
Really feel for you, hope something gets sorted out soon.

Pm me if you need to, I pick them up on my phone  :)

[Buttercup]

How's your weekend going?

[caned_and_unable]

Hi buttercup, sorry I've been away with my OH and kids to great yarmouth. Weather was great but my little boy was a pain in the back side ha he's got such a temper. I'm not too bad thanks a bit down now I've come back to reality. Just had my meds upped so fingers crossed will start feeling some improvement soon. How you doing?

[Jane]

Daily walks; even if it's pants weather has always been my method when I'm feeling down, kids love play parks and my 3 will happily engage and play together without any money needed. We pack a snack and juice.

We don't always make it but it helps to have an option to get out.

Hope your meds help and glad you've had a lovely holiday... little ones behaviour can be a pain when away though can't it, my now 7 year old kicks off every holiday we have.. think it's being away leads to too much excitment.

[caned_and_unable]

Hi jane, thanks for your advice. I find the.park does help but sometimes causes more stress than it's worth I have a 3yr old girl and a 20mth old boy. My little boy has such a temper and kicks and screams when taking him off things at the park. I've been exercising every day trying to get some motivation going as I'm really lacking it at the min. It really helps talking to people on here though thanks. How are you doing?

[Rycing]

Hi, I know exactly how you feel.....my children are my joy, but also my biggest stress. If only they would play together......they prefer to fight and the youngest has a very short fuse. It's like living on egg shells.
Mummmeeeeeeeee is the screech I hear 500 times a day....it drives me to insanity, much as I love them.

[Rycing]

Tips.....me time, otherwise I would have gone well under by now.
Also, reminding myself that this does not go on forever.....it's just a life stage.
Talking to others going through the same thing.xx

[caned_and_unable]

Thanks for that. I think I do need some me time but never really seem to get it. I love my kids so much too but it is hard when your suffering  from depression and all you want to do is curl up in a ball. I get through the day for the kids but everything is forced I'm just hoping I can start enjoying my life again. Are you on any medication and is it working for you?

[Buttercup]

I agree, it's so so hard with children when you are depressed, like you said everything is forced. Mine are off school next week and I'm trying to work out what to do with them. I find the park incredibly stressful it really sets off my paranoia and I see danger everywhere  I can only manage it with my hubby and then it's still a struggle.
I'm not in a true depression at the moment, I am currently a bit hypo but I get dysphoric highs so too much noise or people around me makes me very agitated and irritable. I currently take mood stabilisers but I a
Not yet stable.

[Rycing]

Hi, yes. I took fluoxetine, but had bad nightmares. I've been on citalopram for about 8 weeks. It's helping the real lows, I'm not nearly so tearful and sad feeling, but I'm still moody.
It's making me very tired and I am dreaming a lot more, but not nightmares to the extent the fluoxetine gave me. I think I have also gained weight.
It's snatching those little bits of me time when you can...like coming on here, reading a book, having a bath, watching a t.v programme. I go running and I make sure I go at least once per week and just do what I can in between. Easier now the evenings are lighter as I can go when the kids are in bed.  :) x