Depression can impact the life of individuals who suffer from this condition as well as the people around them. This mental health issue can make people feel worthless, fatigued and irritated all the time. In the long term, this can start impacting your physical health too, affecting your appetite, sleep and so on.
If a -parental figure is suffering from depression then it might bring changes in their family dynamics. The weight of depression symptoms can prevent the parent from being fully involved in their children’s life. So naturally impacts their emotional attachment and responsiveness with their children. Children on the other hand might feel emotional turbulence leading to possible emotional issues.
This mental health issue can end up straining the parent-child relationship. However, with proper professional help you can stop that from happening. It is possible for you to rebuild everything by addressing the root causes of your mental health issues.
Let’s first learn about the signs of depression, then we can talk about the types of depression faced by parental figures and treatment procedures for them.
Depression- what signs should you watch out for
There are certain signs of depression. Identifying them early on might help you seek help at the right time. Here they are:
- Depression can make you feel emotionally and physically drained all the time. No amount of rest seems to take away that fatigue.
- This mental health issue can severely affect your sleep patterns. So you might develop hypersomnia( excessive sleeping) or insomnia( lack of sleep).
- Depression can alter your appetite. So you either eat too little or too much.
- These mental health issues can make you suffer from unexplained body aches and pain.
- In depression you might lose your feeling of joy and pleasure for hobbies and activities that you used to enjoy.
- Depression can affect your cognitive functions leading to memory loss, concentration problems, etc.
- Due to the issues caused by depression you can have a hard time regulating your mood. So you might socially isolate yourself.
- This mental health issue can form a really distorted self-image in your mind. Some people use substances or self-harm as a form of coping mechanisms.
Suffering from these symptoms might be your sign to start your healing journey especially if you are a parent. However, as a parent you might suffer from some specific types of depression. Read on to learn about those types.
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Types of Depression faced by parental figures
Here are awesome types of depression which are specific to people with children.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a silent attacker that affects many new parents. It is sometimes very hard to detect and speak about this depression. This form of depression often emerges after childbirth. So instead of feeling joy the mother suffers from feelings of anxiety and sadness.
Both mother and fathers need to recognize this condition and consult a mental health provider. Professionals with their compassion will provide assistance to the new mother.Through open communication and acknowledgement of your struggle the professional will heal you.
Parental burnout
As a parent you might have to juggle a variety of responsibilities as a primary caregiver. This can make you feel overwhelmed leading to a burnout and mental health issues. Recognizing the signs of constant fatigue, feelings of isolation is indeed important. So do remember that it is okay to accept the hardships that come with parenting.
Professionals through support groups and therapy methods can provide you with some assistance. Through acknowledgement of the emotional toll, you can address your burnout problems. Even simple self-care practices can make a big difference for you.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder can affect your emotional well-being and daily functioning. You might suffer from constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness and complete loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy before. If you are a parent with Major Depressive Disorder you might struggle to involve yourself fully in family life. This might impact your capacity to nurture and support your children.
Through therapy you can find a safe space to express your emotions to develop healthy coping mechanisms. With proper support you will certainly get to enjoy a healthy family life with your loved ones.
Many parents are too ashamed and scared to speak up about their struggles. So they stay silent, which in the long term might end up affecting their family life. Are you residing in New York? You can avail our mental health counseling service to start your journey towards healing.
Treatment methods used by mental health professionals
Mental health providers use different evidence based approaches to treat the different depression symptoms faced by parents, Here they are:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of evidence-based therapy method that can address depression issues in operations such as postpartum depression, parental burnout, etc. Mental health providers in this therapy will help you identify and challenge negative thought processes. Through collaborative mental exercises you can adapt healthy coping mechanisms and behavioral skills to manage stress.
With the help of a mental health provider you can build up your emotional resilience back again. Find yourself happy again, enjoying your time with your loved ones.
Acceptance and Behavioral Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is used by mental health experts to foster acceptance in individuals with depression. Through acceptance you will be able foster your complex emotions and promote actions that are in line with your values. ACT will encourage you to embrace all your feelings and thoughts without any judgment to impede self-awareness and self love.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
IPT can help you improve your interpersonal relationships by navigating personal challenges and enhancing your communication skills. IPT can explore the change of roles and expectations once you become a parent. This therapy will target the strain put on your relationships by depression. The mental health advisor through an understanding environment will guide you towards better interpersonal relationships.
Trying your best to take care of your mental health as somebody dwelling in the fast-paced city of NYC. Worry not , look for mental health services in new york to help yourself heal.
FAQs about treating depression in parenthood
Q1) Can parents develop depression issues?
Parenthood brings along a lot of responsibilities which can make one feel very overwhelmed and isolated. Thus in the long term can lead to depression in some people.
Q2) Does parental depression affect family life?
Depression can change your family dynamics. The depression symptoms can make it hard for you to spend quality time with your family. You might also have trouble fulfilling your responsibilities towards your family.
Q) How do mental health providers treat parents with depression?
Mental Health providers use a variety of therapy techniques such as Acceptance and Behavioral Therapy, CBT, etc to treat parents suffering from depression.
Wrapping things up!
So do you want to spend quality time with your family? Well seeking help from a mental health provider is the solution for you. Apart from that you can also help yourself through different self-care practices.
Are you searching for a compassionate Psychotherapist in NYC? You can contact Psychotherapist Gita Sawhney in her GS Mental Health & Wellness in New York.
