Hi R.,
Well I don't think this is so uncommon actually. I think a lot of people go through this especially moms. We have a lot of people depending on us and the pressures of life can get overwhelming.
In my opinion...
It is hard to give any advice with not knowing the whole situation around there? There could be so many factors of the why this is happening. What I would say though is if it were me I would be very careful on going the med.'s route too soon.
Again just my opinion, but I feel that many times they pass them out to make life easier instead of finding and dealing with the problem causing the depression or sadness or how ever you want to describe how you are feeling.
That is not to say that they are cases out there that defiantly needed some . Just be sure there is no other route.
As far as what is going on...
I would suggest to look at your life, maybe even make a list of the good and the bad that you see in your everyday living. Sometimes when we write things down we can get a clearer perspective as to just what is really going on around us. It kind of clears the fog from the reality sorta speak.
But for this to really be effective you must be totally honest with yourself. You can not avoid putting things down because "You feel it might hurt someones feelings, It wouldn't be the right thing to say or I shouldn't feel this way because".... You see, the truth is just what it is and we can't get through things if we don't take the time to really face that there is a problem.
After finishing your list look at it from an outsiders point of view. What would you suggest to them?
Funny how we can always have great advice in helping others yet we don't ever give ourselves the same kind treatment.
Sometimes the problem maybe be something serious that really needs dealing with, but we have been hiding from it or it may be something as simple as asking for help around the house or having someone watch the kids for a day so you can have personal time. I am a big one for not asking for help believe me and I pay a big price for it.
On a personal level, I have found that in my down times if I am honest with myself I realize I have forgotten just who I AM. I am always so busy doing things for other people I rarely have time for myself.
For instance I love to do art but haven't in many many years. And I miss it! Or having the day in the house to myself to turn the music up and listen to something I like. Have a hot bubble bath with no one knocking on the door with a question. lol
Anything like this...Just some personal time...
Even if it is getting out of the house once a week to go for a walk or better yet maybe go to a gym and work out. It helps clear the mind, make the body stronger and just makes you feel strong all over.
If all else fails look around at your surroundings and again be honest. Is the house in need of a good cleaning or is it disorganized? This can cause your mood to reflect the same thing or so I have found anyways.
A house is hard enough to keep up on your own but with a family it tends to get crazy! lol Now on the other side of that coin...if you area person who's house is in perfect order and always clean...think about taking a day off and say forget it and just do something fun for the day. It won't go away trust me ...it will be there when you get back. lol
And on a final note. my favorite... I move the furniture around to give the place a new feel to it. Even the kids seem to like the change. And when things get to me really bad...I PAINT the room...lol
Take care of yourself and stay strong... reach deep inside yourself and see the person who is there under all this sadness or blues...Things will be ok!