How do I "explain" depression to a 7yr old and a 4yr old????

[FAQ]

Despite my best efforts I'm still being tired/grumpy/short tempered/snappy/shouting at them.

How do I explain to them (in simple terms) why I'm like it????

I don't want them thinking (like DS1 already does ) that I'm just a horrible mummy.

tell them that you are not well, feeling sad with the world but not sad with them....my two understood just that(and are 7 and 4)
good luck it's a step in the right direction FAQ

awww FAQ just tell them that you aren't feeling too well at the moment, and you are going to try to get better and that you love them both very much...dont beat yourself up about this x

Poor you. Don't be hard on yourself. You need to keep telling them that you love them soooo much. Regarding explaining depression, I would go with 'sad' as kids understand that word. It is worth telling them that you are working really hard to feel better and they are a great big help to you in doing that. Then there is less chance of them thinking it is their fault.

thanks.......

I've never been very good in terms of not snapping/shouting at them, but they were used to that.......but just recently it's been all the time. Stupid little things which I know don't matter I've had a go at them about......and I hate it.

my friend explained depression to her then 8 YO as her brain making her feel sad/cross etc and that it wasn't anything that anyone had done and that it would get better with time and meds.

Helped her DD to talk about her own feelings later on when she felt like self hamring (btw her DD2 has ASD so at the time her understanding was limited - it was teh truth and made her realise that it wasn't her fault)

Tell them you're sorry when you realise you've gone too far. They will remember the apology and the cuddle which should go with it rather than the snapping.

I'd agree with telling them that you are feeling sad but that you are trying hard to get better, and you don't mean to upset them. You could also ask them to tell you when you are upsetting them if you think it would help you to stop.

Would something like this help?

GFM - that looks fabulous - thank you. I'll order that later tonight.

I just hate the way that I shout at them and upset them.......but just can't help myself at the moment. I just want to try and help them understand a little of why I'm like it

You're a good mummy to be feeling so low and still be worrying about how it effects them

actually FAQ, your 7 year old being noticeably cross or fed up about your change in behaviour is A VERY GOOD SIGN
it shows he knows that he is entitled to good treatment and that he remembers a time when you were behaving differently

if they were accepting depressed behaviour from you without a word or any change in their behaviour (trying to be very 'good' all the time or wanting to look after you) then that would be much more worrying

I am very sorry things are so hard for you atm