Week #9

Week 9 already?! The weeks are flying by and our program is in full progress and if I’m being bias it’s pretty amazing. We just finished a much-needed reading week and I always find that the break comes right when we need it most. The program was back in action this week however, I didn’t attend. As I sat here trying to write this post and reflect, I thought what a better way then to be honest with myself. A few weeks ago, with no priors of this at the age of 32 I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Most of my postings have been about the children and the program but this one I feel is important to focus on the parents and our daily struggles that we all to often keep to ourselves.

Society has painted a picture that we need to be many colours, always moving and striving for the best. Between picking kids up from school, making dinner, doing homework, and racing from one sport to the next we are expected to be superior. Mental illness is something that’s not talked about and as parents we’re tired and stressed but are often told that’s part of the job. Parents don’t take time for themselves because we don’t have the time as we’re so busy caring for our children that we put our own needs on the back burner. After a long day we finally sit down, exhausted, and watch our favorite shows even though were tired but the alone time is much needed. But, if we’re the engine of our family shouldn’t we spend time at least once a week doing something for ourselves that we once loved; wouldn’t that make us stronger and better parents? We talk about how educators are apart of a community that involves ourselves, children, and their families so its inevitable that I’m going to see some tired and worn out parents striving to provide the best they can for their children. So how can I support them as well? I build communication, trust, and a relationship. It’s built that we can be an ear to listen when a parent has had a hard day and wants to vent. Open arms when the exhausted face looks at you and leans in for a hug. A validation that times are tough but well be okay because we have each other; a community.

 At 32 I’ve had my share of troubles and hard times and I always pulled myself back and kept moving. Now I’m at a point in my life where I’m established. I’m financially stable, a house owner, a student, and a happy wife and mother so why did depression hit me now? For what reason? That’s the point, metal illness doesn’t discriminate or give you a warning or reason. It comes and it comes in full force hungry to disrupt your already hectic life. I’m thankful that I noticed something was wrong early and said, “nope not me, you’re not going to control my life!” But, some of us aren’t as lucky or have our troubles under control. So be kind and non-judgemental when a mother is walking in exhausted with food on her clothes and a mess bun on her hair. When a child walks in with PJ’s on because the fight wasn’t worth it this morning to get dressed. We all have good days and bad days and you never know what a person or family are going through; you don’t know. If anything, I am a happy, outgoing person and I have seen the person I have always known slowly change to someone I don’t recognize. The positive about this, I now know firsthand now, and I know how I can help support other parents as an educator and a person. The bias is gone because I get it now. So, remember to check in on those overworked and tired parents who are trying their best to do right for their children because let’s face it, parenting is freaking hard!