Posted in Keeper of the Home

I can't honestly say that I am feeling any better from the other day but a good nights sleep does make all the difference in the world.  So the first step into not slipping into depression is to get the proper amount of SLEEP -- even if it means popping in a video while you take a nap through the day so the kiddos don't decide to re-roof the house or see if the fish will swim down the toliet.  (Not that a video will prevent any of this unless you actually chain them to the couch and hide the goldfish ROFL)

My next step is to find somebody, anybody to take the kids for an hour or two, (or a month  ~ just kidding), just to have some peace and quiet (hopefully to sleep).  I used to be, and I still am extremely cautious of who I let watch my boys (probably too cautious) but when I am slipping into depression I guess it is better that grandma ruin them uh I mean spoil them, than they watch their mom going through this crazy phase.  If truly nobody can do this for you then the next best thing is to schedule a play date for your kids.  I know it sounds crazy to have someone over but your kids are so busy with the fresh meat each other that they don't have time to bother you and you get a mini break.  Yes, I know it is tough to open up your home to strangers (even when they are only a foot tall) when you feel as awful as you do but somehow it helps you and your kids.  Sometimes even reaching out to another mom and inviting them for lunch works wonders in that you stop focusing on yourself and start focusing on others.

What I found that helped tremendously today, was just getting some fresh air.  A walk is great and excercise would be even better -- but I wasn't up for either of those so I just took the kiddos to the park and sat on the bench enjoying the sunshine and spring breeze.  When it is winter and cold, I find an indoor play station - BK or McD's.  A walk in winter is really good too but I am just not into pretending to be a popsickle.  I think the key here is to just have a change of scenery; going anywhere that is different than home and where nobody cares if you are in makeup or not.  Maybe a different library than the one you frequent or a new park -- anywhere that is not home.  

This one is really tough for me but don't suspend your routines or school because your in the dumps.  Sometimes just forging on and doing what your suppose to be doing gets you out of your funk.  Maybe it is a doddle day where you do the things that are supposed to be good for you but they end up being a blast.  Make a list of all the fun things that your kids can do alone or with you that you never seem to do.  For example on my Doddle Day list is making the world map puzzle, playing with the talking globe, watching some previously taped eposides of Nature and Plaza Sesemo (the spanish version of Sesame Street), painting just to paint and listening to some books or music on tape -- nothing graded or checked - just fun.  None of these things are in our lesson plans so the kids feel like it is a day off and I get a mini break while still doing routines and school.  Trust me staying in your pj's all day really doesn't feel wonderful when the day is over.  As flylady would say babysteps.....

And of course I saved the best for last and yet it always seems like if we kept it first then there would never be a well to dig out of.  Of course we take our deep dark depths of depression to the Lord and we cry out, and somehow that is why we are in that place that we so despreately want to climb out of.  That is what God wants us to do, is to cry out to Him but then we need to take it to the next step and seek Him out.  We need to pray, go to His word and let it wash us clean.  I have found that it really doesn't matter where we go in the Bible because God will speak to us wherever we turn but I like to do word studies about where I am or what I think I am lacking (rest, peace & hope are a few that come to mind).  God shows me His love and I feel better.  Another good place to read are in the Psalms and then PRAY.   

This list doesn't replace seeing a doctor nor do I claim to be one.  These are just notes to myself for getting out of and not slipping into my well.  My hope is that it helps you to not slip in too far or remind you where the footholds are.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV