A new study out shows that 91 percent of working mothers have felt the symptoms of depression.
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I would say that its true. When you are successful and have so much going on. I work full-time and we have a home business. It can be stressful. When I am super stressed, my husband picks up on it right away. I ask him to do a little extra like, get dinner (he doesn’t cook and wouldn’t want him to), take the little one to daycare, and other little things start laundry, empty the dishwasher. Sometimes you justneed a moment.
This holds true for women and men. I am a single father of six children. I have custody of all six(all are from the same mother). Their mother does not suppport me financially or emotionally. It is stressing and depressing at times. I Find myself tired, losing focus on the job and alone. I work full time and all my free time is devoted to the kids. Co-workers say I do not smile any more. I have taken the first step in getting help, I have contacted my jobs Employee Assistance Program. There are many support groups for single women with kids but I have been unsuccessful in finding a support group for single fathers with kids.
@Mac,
To find that single dad support you’re looking for, you may have to initiate it by starting a support group. When I was looking for single mom support groups online, I couldn’t find anything beyond how to collect child support or date after divorce. That made me upset, because our interests and needs go beyond those things.
So, I started blogging…about life. I go to other single mom blogs and it’s all about the kids and/or dating. We feel guilty if we dare think or talk about anything else. Been there, done all of that. But, I’ve now learned how to have a life apart from my kids. And, I’m not ashamed to talk about it on my blog.
Lisa Maria Carrolls last blog post..Suicide: We must deal with IT, or IT will keep dealing with us
@Lisa Maria Carroll
Thanks for the information, just talking about makes me feel better. It hard to keep up the facade of being happy. Family members who vowed to be there when I needed help with the kids have all faded in the promises. No one ever aks how am I doing? Took a leave of abscence from the job to gather myself. Lost focus to a point of numbness. Tired and uninspired. Never thought I would be like this in a million years.
@Mac – I’ll make this it’s own featured post on the site so everyone can weigh in with tips, advice,support and any information they may have for you. Look for it on Monday.
@Mac – You’re welcome. I raised four children as a single mom, so I know a little something about needing a break, and then turning around and asking where’s the village? Let’s just say I’m wearing the t-shirt and the hat.
Let me guess, the only support you get is “Do you need help combing the girls hair”? That’s because single dads who have custody of their children get an attaboy, a pat on the back. A commendation for “standing up and being a man.” It’s too bad that we forget about the man, you know, that part of you who needs a helping hand or just a listening ear.
I know this blog is about depression, which is something I blogged about earlier this week and plan to do again next week. There is still such a stigma around it. You may not be suffering from clinical depression, but I’m sure you could appreciate some relief from the blues you may be feeling. I can understand why a parent wouldn’t admit to being depressed or needing help for fear of having their children taken away, or out of fear of losing their job, their source for providing for their children.
In the meantime, keep talking and sharing your story. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, nd it may be exactly what you need, especially during this time of the year.
Lisa Maria Carrolls last blog post..Sexy, Single and Saved: A triple threat
@Mac,
Here are some online support groups for single dads:
http://www.just4dads.org
http://www.diyfather.com/directories/global-fathers-support-group-directory
Hope this helps.
In response to the article, my problem with being married with kids is this: My husband will not do anything to contribute to our household beyond providing a paycheck. I also work, so I have a hard time with him going to work and coming home without lifting a finger. He will take the garbage out once a week. (After I went “off” a few years ago.) Any suggestions?
@TheDad and Dee
Thank You.
@Iana- check out this post we did on sharing responsibilities a few weeks ago and how everyone addressed how they handle it in their relationships.
https://blackandmarriedwithkids.com/2008/11/17/sharing-responsibilities/