depression - how do you protect your children?

[Lindenlass]

I'm crying and shouting so much and am terrified of making my children have to live this hell when they're adults because of it. I do my best to be with friends a lot but when we're not I just can't stop my huge emotions.

How can I protect my children from them? I don't mean physically. I'm not violent. But I am really hurting at the moment and am crying uncontrollably and I know it's so bad for the children.

Please help...

Personally I make their dad ook after them when I don't feel able to, althogh that's not an opytion for everyone and wn't be one for me much longer. I do try to stay on my medication though.

I'm not on medication, but seriously considering it now for the children's sake - does it work? I'm having counselling and am just moving to twice a week for a bit. Might the meds help me stay calmer, do you think? I'm scared of the side-effects

If I skip a couple of days of my medication I plummet and become very tearful and shouty - usually "I can't cope!!!" which really winds hubby up

This said, I believe medication works for me. I know its not for everyone but it certainly helps me find a sense of perspective and I feel calmer (even premenstrually!)

Side effects usually only last until the meds have fully kicked in - I found that after the first fortnight, the nausea and tiredness had gone completely and I felt energised and much happier. am on sertraline now but when i took amytriptalline it made me feel dreadful so each drug is different i guess.

Thanks, ouch. Now I've got to find a way to fit in a doctors appointment I guess

Ring them now while its in your mind! good luck

Anyone else got any suggestions about how to protect them? What about when I actually am crying and shouting? What on earth can I do to keep them as un-hurt as possible? What do others do when things break down?

I lock myself in the bathroom when I can't stop the tears.

Any chance you can go for a walk with them or to listen to some music when you feel things are going to break down? Might help a bit??

I once read somewhere and was told professionally (6 yrs ago) that it's about 15 mins a day of good quality time kids need when their parent is depressed that will help them feel ok etc. This really helped me, as I ensured I got in those 15mins where they had my full calm attention (and as it goes they got a lot more overall) How old are the children? There are some good books out there for kids I believe but it depends on their ages.

Sounds like you need to see the GP. Don't fear the meds, they don't cure any problems you have but they can help you to get the balance to be able to focus/ get to a place where you can function to more of a benefit to you if that makes sense?

Take care