Mental Health Parenting

I’m Not Sorry I’m Depressed

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i have to apologize for my lack of posts lately.  i sit down with the pictures to write a post and just go blank.
 
stare-at-the-screen-mind-numbing-blank.

 
 
i’ve got to tell you a little secret: i’m depressed.
it’s frightening and liberating to write those words. 
 
i can’t write about the things that i’m supposed to be writing about.
all of these other words are rushing through my mind
and i just. need. to cleanse myself of them.

 
so here we go, dear friends…. i’m going to be honest with you.

 
i go through the days building forts,
hunting down lost matchbox cars,
cleaning paint off the floor. 
and i’m fine. 
when it’s dark, i tuck my little Bear into bed and pat him to sleep. 

 
then it’s off to the couch where i sit with this laptop and listen…

 
i listen to the clocks ticking on the wall.
to the soft snore of the sleeping cat next to me.
to the sound of the baby monitor buzzing.
to the silence the fills this house without my husband.


cliche as it is… it’s always the nights that are the hardest. 
when i’ve stopped and am not kept busy by little feet.

 
i have to remind myself:
despite the separation, we are still blessed beyond measure.
i am not the first wife whose husband has deployed.
there are others missing loved ones for much longer.

 
but this is a first for us.
i have to honor my feelings. 
and part of that is to sit in the silence and
stare at a blank screen,
cry,
and, yes, be depressed.
if i wasn’t upset over this, then i would be concerned.
 
 
 

Andie Jaye

Andie Jaye is a former preschool teacher turned stay-at-home mom of 3 kiddos. Her blog, Do.Play.Learn., (formerly named Crayon Freckles), focuses on creative learning and play ideas, as well as parenting topics. Andie strives to be honest in her approach and experiences in parenting to let other moms know that they are not alone in their struggle. In her free time, she writes children’s books in hopes of publishing someday.

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11 Comments

  1. Hi Andie, I had noticed things had gone a little quiet over here, sorry to read the reason. But it is so good and brave of you to share how you are feeling. It will help other people who feel similarly. Thinking of you xx

  2. You are right to be depressed, I would be if my partner wasn't there with me physically. But you have lots of support from people who care Andie, even if it's just virtual. Big virtual hugs.

  3. 🙁 That's really hard being separate. And a lot on your mummy shoulders too. Go easy on yourself. Take time for you. Take help from others. Hugs to you. Let the blog be an outlet if you need it. Hugs to you.

  4. I echo what The Monko says. I think it would be hard not to be depressed. If there is anything we can do, know we are here for you, friend. : hugs:

  5. I know how your feeling. I pray that just dumping it out has helped some.

  6. Oh Andie, I'm so sorry. Hang in there, kid. I wish I could send you a great big hug! My niece is getting ready to experience this too. It's heartbreaking , but please know I'm thinking of you.

  7. You are writing and feeling what many, many spouses feel but may not say….Hang in there, and I hope tht the happy nights come sooner than later for you and all waiting for their families to be whole again…..

  8. Anonymous says:

    Sending you virtual hugs. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be with young children and a husband away.

    My Dad was in the military and was gone a lot when I was young, but also lived away from home for 2 years when I was a teenager. It was difficult for the whole family and especially my Mum. He would write letters to us and we would all gather on my Mum's bed and read them.

    Much love to you, Andie.

  9. Andie – we love you and your blog. It is perfectly fine to express yourself. I can't even imagine what you are going through. Just know that others love you and appreciate your sacrifice and your husband's service. Try to pamper yourself and take care of yourself.

  10. Oh dear Andie, you don't have apologize for being depressed. I wish I could help you with more than a comment at the end of your post. I can only imagine the pain and worry you are experiencing. Love and prayers going up for you and your precious family!

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