In a recent study of single and married mothers it was discovered that single mothers have a 40% higher incidence of major depression, with a depressive episode lasting an average of 12 months.
There are two main areas that catapult single mothers into depression.
1. Increased number of life stresses
2. Decreased amount of social support
If you are a single parent you already know what I am about to say. If an unmarried, childless adult observed all that a single parent does throughout a day, they would need two days sleep to recover from watching such an exhausting day in the life of a single mom.
A single mother often does the work of three people on any given day. It’s love, duty, hard work and little sleep for single moms.
Single mothers are often not just exhausted, but can also be jaded, indignant, prideful and stubborn. Life has not turned out the way they dreamed it would. Perhaps there were marital dreams, dreams of the perfect home, dreams of providing the best for their children, dreams of spending more time with their children and dreams of being the perfect family and more. All lost.
In place of those dreams they may have bitter feelings over the relationship breakdown, less than optimal living situations, no “play” time with their children, possible visitation problems, child support issues, financial stress and the list could go on for many more pages.
Please, firstly take care of you!
1. Immediately seek help medically and professionally for suspected depression.
2. Implement “quickie” stress relievers such as deep breathing, going to a getaway in the mind, a quick 10 minute hot shower…learn to meditate.
3. Get organized and/or ask for help in doing so. It’s especially important to do so around daily routines such as chores, mealtimes, baths, bedtimes and family fun time.
4. Meet some like minded women, create friendships where you can be a support base for each other.
5. Keep a sense of humor. Many a single mother has told me, “If I did not laugh through the hard times, I do not know what I would have done.”
6. Get your children involved in camps, Sunday School, after school activities and sports.
Lastly, don’t try to be super mom all the time, admit when you need help and ask for it.
The ideas above do work and are working in single mothers’ lives right now.
Shari Ode is a web designer and marketer with a keen interest in Natural Health and ongoing research into ways you can manage depression. Find out how you can make life changes now that will benefit your health and wellbeing at http://www.depression.interestinginfoonline.com
