Blog 17 of Top 25 Mental Wellness Blogs by Moms

Favorite Blog Posts

• Relapses
• I Can't Breathe
• Marriage and Depression

The Mental Health Issues I Blog About

Depression and anxiety. I was diagnosed with major clinical depression at the age of 17, but suffered with the illness for a long time prior to that. I survived my teen years with undiagnosised depression, including a suicide attempt at 17. Today I am married with two children and still struggle with this lifelong illness. As a mom, I worry about the role depression will play in my parenting, and I worry about passing it own to my girls (it can be hereditary). I worry a little too much sometimes!

My Mental Wellness Tip for Moms

Take the time to find out what works for you to combat depression. Yoga, crafting, or meditation are all activities that may be helpful. Eating healthy food is also important. The right combination of mediation and therapy can also save lives. For me, medication and mountain biking really works. The medication keeps my depression and anxiety manageable and the mountain biking lets me be in the moment, not thinking about the past or future. It takes my full focus and concentration to go down a mountain on my bike over rocks, roots, drops and ladders. Plus, when I conquer something new on my bike, I feel a sense of empowerment that I don't find many other places. Experiment a bit and find out what works best for you. But take the time you need to discover that! It's important and you're worth it.

Mental Wellness Resources for Moms

I've found a great and supportive group on Twitter and would recommend it as a way for moms to connect with others struggling with depression or other mental illnesses. I got started by searching for #mentalillness and #mentalhealth. I also find blogging very therapeutic. It's a great way for me to work out my feelings and use others as a sounding board. The International Network on Personal Meaning is a good web site. It's run by a psychologist who is passionate about helping people live a meaningful and happy life. I also like Dr. Deb.