It never ceases to amaze me how many mums struggle with depression. So many live with this evil illness, many too afraid to speak out for fear of being judged or worse still that social services will deem them unfit mothers and take their children away from them.
I am a depressed mother, I am indeed a Bipolar mum, but never once would I ever say I am a bad mom.
I believe that depression and mental illness has made me a better person and a better mother.
I was first diagnosed with depression back when I was 13 years old. I am thirty two now and have been diagnosed with Cyclothymic disorder , a form of Bipolar. My treatment is medication most of the time but it is the talking therapy and counseling that has really helped me.
Without having depression or bipolar I would never have been given the opportunity to delve into talking therapy and really get into those unknown places deep within my mind.
I have learned so much about myself and have have been taught some brilliant coping techniques that not only help me live with my illness, but makes me a much calmer ,stronger and more patient person.
I am somewhat thankful to have the illness I have, as without it I would not be the person or mother I am today.
It does make me sad and frustrated when I see and hear from other mums going through a very difficult depressive episode, on the brink of a breakdown, yet to afraid to speak out.
Having depression does not make us a bad mother, for me it has been quite the opposite, it made me a better one.
