gcvmom
Here we go again!
easy child accused me of "not caring" about Christmas yesterday. She was frustrated about the slow pace of our holiday decorating (our tree is still not finished and she's been doing most of the work on it).
Normally I don't discuss things about my emotional/mental state unless it applies to her directly. But yesterday I decided rather than explain away why I hadn't made decorating the house a priority, I told her point blank that while I was sorry, my depression had been the reason lately for my lukewarm Christmas spirit. I told her that it had only been in the last few weeks that I was feeling better because I'd adjusted my medicine.
She seemed to be a little surprised by my statement, but not upset. I went on to explain how depression makes me feel, why it happens, and the consequences of it. I think that helped make sense for her.
The difficult children were in the room when I had this little conversation with her, but I don't think they were listening (video games).
How open are the rest of you with your kids about your mental health? Do you think it helps for them to know when/if you are struggling? After the fact? Not at all?
Normally I don't discuss things about my emotional/mental state unless it applies to her directly. But yesterday I decided rather than explain away why I hadn't made decorating the house a priority, I told her point blank that while I was sorry, my depression had been the reason lately for my lukewarm Christmas spirit. I told her that it had only been in the last few weeks that I was feeling better because I'd adjusted my medicine.
She seemed to be a little surprised by my statement, but not upset. I went on to explain how depression makes me feel, why it happens, and the consequences of it. I think that helped make sense for her.
The difficult children were in the room when I had this little conversation with her, but I don't think they were listening (video games).
How open are the rest of you with your kids about your mental health? Do you think it helps for them to know when/if you are struggling? After the fact? Not at all?