Help! I'm in a Rut!

J.,

It's great that you recognize that you are not "yourself". Thats the first step to getting better.
You have described the common symptoms of depression. You can benefit from taking to a counselor, but depression is a chemical imbalance. There are wonderful medications out there with no or little side effects that can help you. I strongly suggest you see your doctor and talk it over with him.
I suffered for years with depression and anxeity, always in denial chalking it up to PMS, my EX husband, the weather ect... always something other than depression/anexiety. One day I exploded at my husband and kids for no reason and that was enough for me to seek help. The last thing I ever thought I would hear out of my doctors mouth was anexiety and depression.
As I'm sure you realize, your symptoms are real. It's great that your hubby sees what your going thru. Mine didn't understand it at first. All he knows now is it's much better once I was diagnosed and started taking meds.
Do research on line and get as much info as you can, but please make an appointment with your doctor. It could be depression or something else. It could be your thryoid is also out of balance. (I remember hoping for me that's what I had).
Good luck and let us know what happens!
S.

I agree with Diane... good for you for helping yourself! I feel like that is the last thing I do sometimes from my to-do list! Did this ever happen before to you? I am always in favor of counseling, if only for 2 or 3 visits. You may find that the issue is minor and easily worked out, or you may discover something deeper that would benefit you to work out. Either way, you win. Why not sign up for it?

I, too, noticed myself getting "blue" lately. I peg the weather. I miss summer, and I am already dreading the winter. My son is so active... what will I do when I can't just run to the park when he gets wild?!?

How active is your daughter? She's rounding 13 months and probably a lot more independent behavior. When my son got to this point, I was spending several days a week at the mall play areas so we weren't going crazy in the house.

I tend to become busier when I feel depressed. I book my calendar with activities, friends, etc. Somehow I get my energy by spending it! Of course, having a recuperation day, where I do nothing but puzzles on the floor or read books with my son, always helps when we both get too tired for a busy schedule.

Hi J., I'm a counselor practicing in Schaumburg and I specialize in women's support. I can tell you that you sound like you are going through something that is so normal for women. You give so much of yourself to everyone else and lose sight of what you need, then find that you can't even figure out what you need because your needs have become so used to being on the back burner. It can help to talk to someone and get some support that is outside of your daily life. A counselor can give you a nice safe place to figure out how to get past those overwhelmed feelings and get back into life again. I would be happy to talk with you any time if you like. You can call me at ###-###-#### or email at ____@____.com or even check me out on our website at www.owenscounseling.com and look under Licensed Therapists for K. Evans. One way or the other I recommend getting that support sooner rather than later. I wish you the best in working through this. - K.

I have 4 girls between the ages of 4 years and 3 months, so I know all about SAHM burn out! There have been plenty of times where the more I've had to do, the less I've been able to get motivated. When I get like that, I try to make my "to do" list and start with the smallest, shortest tasks (like "empty dishwasher") so that I can cross them off and feel like I've accomplished something. After I get thru a few, it's a little easier to keep going.

Is there something going on right now that is worrying you or causing more stress than normal? Is your 3 year old going to start preschool? Are you bothered by the change of season? Do you have financial or health concerns? It is a good idea to talk to someone. Three weeks does seem like there may be something to check out. Could be stress, hormones, or something else. Good for you to realize that this doesn't feel normal to you and to reach out for help. Keep your chin up. GOOD LUCK!!!