July 31, 2006 - The Joy of the Lord
I suffer from depression. My doctor told me that I have a chemical imbalance in my brain. So I take “happy pills” every day to keep me “happy” J Well, they don’t keep me happy - they stabilize me! Having depression does affect all areas of life though, also Homeschooling. Some days I just want to curl up in bed and hide all day! These are usually the days that I have been doing too much. I think it is hard for all of us Homeschooling mums to learn to say “No!” There are so many “good” things to get involved in. So many “good” things to get the kids involved in. But as the old saying goes, “Good is often the enemy of best”.
I find that with my depression I need to be more careful than ever not to take on too much. I have an illness that I will probably have for the rest of my life, and I need to learn to live with it. At first I felt terribly guilty for having to take anti-depressants. Especially as a Christian! You know - if I have enough faith it should all just go away! But God has given me the opportunity to take medication to help with this problem. It helps me enough to cope with everyday life. And panic attacks become more frequent, I know that I am doing too much.
I know there are many others out there who also suffer from depression and are homeschoolers – trying to be “super mums” – keep the home, schooling the kids, and also doing other things that are part and parcel of being a Stay-at-home-mum. I’d like to encourage you to take time out for yourself and set priorities. Make sure you are not trying to be “super mum” because that creature doesn’t exist! On days when it all seems too much, just do the basics. At the end of the day write a list of things you have achieved – don’t look at what you haven’t gotten done yet.
When I lived in
Can depression be cured? Through God, yes. If it is His will and His time, yes. But like Paul who had a thorn in his flesh that he repeatedly asked God to take away, some of us will have to battle with depression. I have to remind myself of this and trust in Him. In the meantime I need to understand that depression can be “managed”. I need to keep my eyes on God. I need to have time set aside each day to read the Word and pray. My “happy pills” help stabilize the chemicals in my brain, but “the Joy of the Lord is my Strength”.
Comments
August 6, 2006 - Depression
Posted by belindaletchford
Wow! what a neat post. Thanks for sharing your journey, or parts of your journey, with your depression. I stand with you, as you stand on the promises of God!
September 21, 2006 - G'day,
Posted by HomeGrownKids
I just found you while random blogging! I'm glad I did.:-)
Your blog is a lovely journal of thoughts and happenings.
Blessings,
Susan <><
