10 Ways to Fight SAHM Depression

Last Updated on January 17, 2022 by Michele Tripple

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Depression in stay at home moms is something to talk about and take seriously. If you or someone you know is dealing with SAHM depression, check out this list of 10 ways to Overcome Stay at Home Mom Depression.

10 Ways to Overcome SAHM Depression

I’m sure you’ve heard many people say that being a stay at home mom is both the best thing and the hardest thing that they have ever done.

Despite the wonderful blessings that motherhood brings, the combined effects of stress, hard work, lack of sleep, and everything else can, unfortunately, bring the risk of mental illness. In fact, I wrote a whole post about How to Combat Mental Health Problems as a Stay at Home Mom.

I feel that this topic is SO important that I wanted to talk more specifically about a specific type of mental illness: stay at home mom(SAHM) depression.

Staying at home with your kids full time is hard on everyone and you can definitely expect some bad days. But if the bad days are starting to overtake the good and being overwhelmed turns into depression, it’s time to take a step back take some time for yourself and have some daily self-care time.

Stay at Home Moms and Depression: Why We Need to Talk About It

Is it just me or does it seem like the connection between stay at home moms and depression is such a taboo topic? There’s something about being a mom that gives people one of these two opposite but equally damaging feelings:

Moms are superheroes!

Moms never get sick, right? Sometimes as mothers, we feel like we are so untouchable. I have often felt the pressure of all my responsibilities and consequently felt like I don’t have the time to get sick. I’m taking care of my home and my family. I can’t be depressed!

But let me tell you a little secret. Moms do get sick. Moms do get depressed. And it’s OKAY.

Don’t let yourself feel guilty about needing to take care of yourself! Taking the time to deal with you including depression will only make you more of a superhero mom.

Being a mom isn’t hard enough to be depressed!

I wish I could say that I haven’t had this thought but the “mom guilt” truly is overwhelming.

Don’t get me wrong, I know how much hard work I do for my family. I would do anything for them and often that means leaving little to no time and energy for myself! Being a mom, whether you stay at home or not, is a big job. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t had the guilty thought of my life not being hard enough to be depressed.

Depression is tricky. It doesn’t matter how much joy is in your life, sometimes you’ll find yourself dealing with SAHM depression even with the best circumstances.

The Truth About Stay at Home Moms and Depression

So what’s the truth about stay at home moms and depression?

SAHM depression is real. It’s happening to people you know. Perhaps you are dealing with it yourself.

Depression is a sickness just like a cold or flu. It needs to be talked about and taken care of! If you are struggling with stay at home mom depression it’s time to take action and give yourself to love and care that you need.

Overcoming Depression in Stay at Home Moms

It’s important to take care of yourself! It may feel like you don’t have time to make yourself a priority, but your health and wellness is just as important as anyone else’s.

So if you are struggling with stay at home mom depression, give yourself some grace and set some time and energy aside for yourself.

If for no other reason, it’s so hard to be a good mom, wife, friend, or person when you are struggling with this. If you want to be your best self for those you love, start with this list of ways to overcome stay at home mom depression.

10 Ways to Fight Stay at Home Mom Depression

If you are dealing with SAHM depression or know someone who is, make sure you look at this list of ways to deal with depression in stay at home moms.

Talk to someone your trust

Talk to your spouse, mom friends, parents, siblings, or whoever you can talk to comfortably without holding back. Let them know how you’re feeling! I promise just getting it out of your system will feel like a weight is off your shoulders.

Do something just for you

I don’t know about you, but I always feel better when I am doing something for myself! If the house is getting you down, get out of the house and do something you love. There are some great hobbies for stay at home moms out there you can try!

As long as you are working towards something and taking time for yourself, it will help you feel so much better.

See a professional

There are many types of professionals that you can see. You can look into medicine, counseling, meditation, etc.

Do what you are comfortable with and ask around to see what your friends and family have liked in the past. It’s worth a try if it will help make you feel less overwhelmed.

Find a coping mechanism

Coping mechanisms are anything that helps you deal with the feelings of depression and work through them in a productive way. Everyone has different coping mechanisms so you’ll have to try a few things out to figure out what works for you.

You could try breathing techniques, stretching, or meditation. I think a great simple technique is to call out your depression. Call it what it is so you can deal with it!

Start a gratitude journal

Journaling can be a great way to work through complex emotions. Journaling in general is great, but gratitude journals are especially helpful for depression when you are trying to remember the joyful things in your life!

Begin your day with positive affirmations

Positive affirmations are great for dealing with depression. They may seem like they are awkward at first, but it will help you work through your emotions and start your day off in a good headspace.

Fall in love with your kids again

Depression can take a big toll on how you view your relationship with your children. I think we all need a reminder every once in a while to fall in love with your kids again!

Get to know them better. Spend time with them. Look at them, I mean really look at them, and remember all the reasons that you love being their mom.

Exercise

It’s a proven fact that physical activity helps you combat depression! Between responsibilities as stay at home moms and depression you may not feel like you have the energy, but you will absolutely feel better.

Try these awesome workouts that you can do right at home!

Set reasonable expectations

I’m a firm believer in the idea that if your expectations aren’t being met, it’s time to set some new ones or change your plan. Be realistic with how your day is going to go and keep working forward one step at a time!

Depression in stay at home moms leads to lots of feelings of resentment towards yourself and others. Let some things go and be okay with how things are going!

Give yourself grace

You’re not going to be able to get rid of your depression overnight. Depression in stay at home moms can be deep-rooted and overwhelming. Keep trying new things and remember that it’s okay to struggle.

Let yourself feel those feelings and keep on working to overcome them!

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