How I Beat My Depression

That was definitely me

I've talked a lot about depression in my blog and I'd be lying if I didn't admit I had it even before my daughter came along.  But since becoming a parent it has been much worse, although until 3 months ago I didn't realize how bad it had been.

I didn't have the classic symptom of disinterest in things I love.  Just happens that two of my favorite things are video games and reading.  Both of those keep your butt firmly planted on your couch.  So, because of that I never noticed how bad I was but now I look back and can't believe the life I've lived for the past 3 years, and the life I've given my daughter.

In the past few years, unless it was a special occasion I only left the house once a week to go to the grocery store and maybe every other week to go to a playgroup meeting for Kaylee.  Yes, that is it.  So in 30 days we would leave the house 6 days.  We didn't even play in the yard.  We sat inside and played, read and enjoyed each other.  In some ways you'd think this was okay (I did).  After all, I wasn't ignoring my daughter.  We spent hours together playing, laughing and learning.  But we weren't getting fresh air, sunlight or time with other human beings.

I also suffered from horrible mood swings, bouts of crying, I was quick to anger and I had no energy.  I knew all of these things were because of depression but thought they weren't hurting anyone but me.  Also, without health insurance, what could I do?

So, 3 months ago I decided to revamp my lifestyle, starting with diet and exercise.  All of which I've already written about earlier in this blog as well.  When I did those things I didn't want to sit around the house anymore so I started taking Kaylee to playdates 3 times a week (at least).  It no longer seemed like such a big deal to go out that often. 

How did I beat depression?  I'm not sure which it was that finally tripped the trigger, but combine all of these and I guess I have my cure.  Daily exercise, eating right, losing weight, sunlight, socializing and eating fish.  I pretty much started doing them all at the same time. 

But so far so good.  If I had a doctor I might be able to go off my meds.  I'll admit I'm still occasionally moody (usually before my period) and there are days where I feel blah.  But now on blah days I just tell myself to shut up and get out of the house.

This hasn't just impacted me either.  My daughter is happier, less whiney, sleeps better and throws less fits.  I will not go back to being that person I was before and am honestly a little frightened for winter.  It's not just for me, it's for her.  I'm a much better parent now than I was then and that is very important to me.

Are you suffering from depression?  Don't suffer alone.  See your doctor, talk to your significant other, tell your friends.  Get help.