by Michelle Stein posted in Parenting

I started taking an antidepressant for depression with anxiety about seven months ago. It's made a world of difference in my life -- and consequently, in the lives of my children.
To those who are currently struggling (but are afraid to reach out for help,) here's how taking an antidepressant makes me a better parent:
1) I wake up without feelings of dread and utter worthlessness. There was no one thing that explained why I felt like a failure. (In fact, all evidence pointed to that fact that I was a pretty decent mom.) But I still dreaded each exhausting day of attempting to rise above these irrational thoughts and feelings. Since I started medication, though, the invisible burden I once carried is gone -- and I'm able to focus more of my emotional energy on what's important: my kids.
2) I'm able to take a step back and put things into perspective. Instead of lashing out in anger, going into an emotional spiral, or retreating when my anxiety is triggered, I can now see small obstacles for what they are. I'm able to better pick my battles and just roll with the punches. And I'm sure my family appreciates this marked reduction in overreaction.
3) I'm able to live in the moment. Before, I rushed through each day, unable to stop my mind from reeling -- or to even sit down and catch my breath. Because there were always things to do, and what if I didn't get it all done" (Everything would fall apart, of course.) Instead of runn...