Almost all of us have been in lockdown for a few weeks now. Some find the time dragging on, while others are making the most of it. Some are fed up, while others are just having fun. Some can’t stop worrying, while others are simply taking it one day at a time. For some people, it depends on the day. We’re practically all caught up in the same lockdown situation, but we’re all experiencing it differently. However, some people are starting to feel down more often. But how far could this go? All the way to depression?
For many, this depression will pass as quickly as it came once we return to some semblance of normal life. But let’s be realistic: our lives will never again be “normal” or “the way they were before.” Regardless, this depression will feel like a mild case of the blues for some, while others will experience it as seasonal (circumstantial) depression. For others, it could turn out to be more profound.
I want to speak to you—you, the mom or dad who’s struggling with depression. Whether it’s constant, seasonal, or even just temporary. To you, the person who took time off work to rest, recharge, and find yourself again. You thought you’d be back on your feet after a few days off, but your plans have been turned upside down. School is closed indefinitely. You have your little treasures to keep busy and take care of.
Don’t feel bad when you see other parents’ social media posts—they seem to have such an easy routine. They have all these planned activities, elaborate crafts, and schoolwork as if they’ve always homeschooled. Not to mention the science experiments that win them the “Project of the Year” award!
Know that you’re not alone. Take the time to think about yourself, even if you want to give your best to your children. You don’t have to keep them occupied all day long. Let them discover things on their own and come up with new games. This approach teaches them just as much as having their noses in their textbooks. Of course, it depends on their age, but if they’re a little older, they can also help out. Turn housework into an obstacle course, and mealtime prep into a family activity. The older kids can read stories to the younger ones—the oldest practices reading, and the youngest is happy to have a story read to them by their big brother or sister.
Most importantly: do your best and don’t forget about yourself. If, at the end of the day, all they’ve done is watch TV because you didn’t even have the energy to get up—but you did at least get up to keep an eye on them—that’s okay. You’re allowed to. Set aside some time for yourself—to call a friend, take a bath, or do something that makes YOU feel good. At the end of the day, what matters isn’t how your little treasures spent their time, but that their mom or dad is still there with them.
If you need help, no matter when, just ask.
For all of Quebec:
Écoute Entraide, 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to midnight (even during the COVID-19 pandemic)
1-855-EN LIGNE (365-4463)