'Put On A Happy Face': How I Manage Depression As A Wife And Mom

By Amber Copeland. Posted on Jan 16th 2012.

depressed woman in bed — Having a family to care for makes it easier to battle depression.

Depression makes me want to stay in bed and cry—but being a wife and mother helps me to get up.

In a way it was a blessing to have something force me to maintain a feeling of normalcy. While I can be open and honest about my mental state with my husband, I have to guard my 8-year-old stepson from just how bad it gets. He still believes in Santa Claus; this isn’t the sort of thing he should be burdened with. So when he’s near, I’m normal. I’m happy, I’m productive, I’m up and moving around and cooking dinner. His presence forces me to pretend to be okay and sometimes with pretending I actually begin to feel okay, sort of.

I don’t always feel the depression these days and most of the time I’m a pretty happy person. Not every day is a struggle but those days that are can almost be too much to bear. It helps to have walking, talking, breathing reminders in front of me, pushing me to remember why giving up isn’t an option anymore.

Are you depressed and looking to get help? Read more about depression and check out YourTango Experts to find a counseling professional who can help you via phone or in person.