Does this make me a bad mum

[bamechange]

To bring DS(2) to the doctors with me this morning to talk about my depression and my struggling? I have an urgent app with no one available for childcare and need to talk about my depression and getting therapy and meds.
Does it make me look like a bad parent to bring him to an appointment so sensitive?

It depends how much he understands... my 2 yr old DS is quite sensitive and would definitely have known a bit too much about what was going on. If he’s easily distracted with smarties and toys I’d go that route. Whichever way you look at it you’re not a bad parent btw, we are all just trying to cope and things like this happen.

@moreismore he's actually a month off 2 (but easier to say 2) so doesn't understand much, I guess I'm just panicking about whether I'd be judged by the doctor!

The doctor would not judge you at all. Your DS will more than likely be busy looking around rather than listening.
It would be worse if you didn't go as you had no childcare.
I hope it goes well for you today, good luck

No you are not being a bad parent. You are being a good parent by getting the help your need so you can care for your child. Take some toys to distract him and he'll be fine.

Of course it doesn't make you a bad mum! Just a mum that is trying to get the help she needs and doesn't have any childcare options. The doctor won't think twice about it. Don't let this worry you at all.

No not at all, be kind to yourself and best wishes

No you’re definitely not a bad Mum for getting help.

No, makes you a great mum as you are willing to seek help and improve your happiness and ultimately the happiness of your DS. All the best OP x

It absolutely doesn't make you a bad mum. Also if you mention you found it hard to come to the appointment with him because you didn't want to discuss infront of him but had no choice and need the appointment they will more than understand. They are humans too.

Thinking of the effect it might have on your two year old and getting help makes you a really good mum.

No, it makes you a great mum for looking after yourself - could you take headphones & a tablet so you feel freer to be open?

You are the best mum for getting support when you need it. Take some toys and smarties as a bribe and it will be fine. Good luck for your appointment, I hope it goes well. You're very brave

Not a bad mum because you’re getting help! Bring a toy he likes to keep him occupied while you need to talk to the GP.

Not a bad mum. Been there, done that. Mine, just shy of 2 then, was too busy looking around the office to even notice I was there 😁 plus do they understand the word depression at that age? Don’t worry. Just concentrate on yourself at the doc’s. They won’t judge you, you are seeking help, which they would much prefer

I’ve done this. My gp has a box of toys in his consulting room for just this kind of situation.
OTOH, another time, he let one of my DTs sit on his lap and ‘help him’ print out a prescription, so I knew he was a good’un.

You're getting help, That in itself makes you a VERY good Mum.

I would worry about that too OP. I think you’ve had good advice here about distracting your DS. You could also consider writing a few notes down to hand to the doctor if you are hesitant about saying certain things in front of your son or (as I have known happen), you are likely to dissolve into tears when you start to explain yourself.

I have had to take my 4 year old before. We had to talk a bit in code, but DS was distracted by lots of other things

Not at all, you are being a great mum by addressing your depression so you can do you best for your child. The doctor won't judge you in the slightest. Go prepared with chocolate buttons, toys and a screen

Christ no. I had to take my 3 year old to a mental health crisis team appointment. They gave her a cupcake a played with her while I sobbed. 6 months later she seems fine.. she's too little to know the whole situation but she knows mummy had a poorly head so she had to go to the nice people who helped. Doing something about it makes you a good mum.

Not at all. You have to do what you have to do. I doubt he'd understand much or take it in anyway at that age.

I took my 4 yr old and crying 10mth old to a similar appt once.

It was awful I have to say but mainly due to baby crying.

I have since taken the kids with me to psychiatrist appts. They have tablets, headphones and snacks and are none the wiser !

Wishing you all the best OP

We have to take both DC with us to the GP appts - i go with DP for his MH appts so we can work as a team. DD is 6 & sometimes she sits & listens, sometimes she has her iPad. We don't hide things from her tho, she knows DP is having a rough time & that the GP is helping.

The GP has never mentioned it after the first one - he asked if DP was okay to chat with DD there, now he welcomes her in with us. You aren't a bad mum, you're a good mum for recognising you need support & seeking it.

Not a bad mum at all. Well,done you for seeking help for depression. In my surgery, there’s always mums and toddlers, so it’s not unusual. If you don’t want the dc in the appointment, you could always ask if a receptionist could keep an eye on him.

Leaving the two year old home alone would make you a bad mum not taking him with you to an important appointment. You're doing the right thing by going and if DC has to go too then so be it. [Flowers]

No of course it doesn't make you a bad mum. It actually makes you a better mum because you're sorting yourself out.
It's not unusual to take your kids to G.P appointments, I've taken mine to plenty when they were small. It's not unusual so please don't beat yourself up over it.
You're doing great. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Absolutely not! Your being a brill mum trying to get the help you need. Just like a smear test they'd rather you bring your kids along than not go! Hope you get the help you need x