Among the problems that can affect mothers with depression is a feeling of discontentment and unfulfillment. It’s easy to look at others and think that their life is so much better. Other women seem happier, have nicer clothes, and cleaner houses. Other women, even those with babies, seem to have their act together and have an easier time. When we start comparing ourselves to this perceived idea, our discontentment grows. We think we are that much more of a failure. At least this is how it was for me. Only God knows what others are going through. Perhaps they are just better at putting on an act for others. At least that’s what I would tell myself to help me feel better. I knew in my head that coveting was wrong and that I shouldn’t compare myself to others. However, the essence of this problem is having thoughts and feelings that you can’t control. I think most depressed people know that they don’t like how they feel. Maybe they even feel irrational, but they’re unable to stop feeling that way.
It gets frustrating trying to do everything. I often feel like I’m being pulled in different directions. My children have so many needs, and I have personal needs (and wants) too. My desires often have to take a back burner to my children’s needs. This was especially hard for me when they were babies. Something that comforts me is keeping in mind that Jesus had very little time to himself. His personal devotions were interrupted. He had to pray while others slept. Jesus’ life purpose was for serving others, full of sacrifices, and ended with the ultimate sacrifice. Sometimes I need to remind myself what my job is now. I am a mom, and I am supposed to take care of my children, even if I don’t always feel like it. Proverbs 31:27 & 28.
I wanted to stay home with my children. I figured God gave them to me to take care of, and they were my responsibility, not a day care facility’s. I wanted to see all their milestones, first steps, first words, etc. Admittedly I hated the word, "housewife," though. Part of the problem is that society has tried to make the definition of mothers’ role blurry. Society often does not recognize motherhood as a full-time occupation. Many women are discontent with "just being a mom" or think it is unfulfilling.
Mothers already have tremendous responsibility and unending chores. They must make sure there are nutritious meals for the family, wash dishes, do laundry, clean the house, bathe the kids, etc. Add to those job responsibilities outside the home, and things get tougher. Even if a woman is blessed enough to have a husband that helps, she still has quite a load of duties and stress to go with it. With all this stress, comes more strife and contention. Whether we like it or not, God’s plan was for women to be a "helpmeet" for her husband, and keepers of the home. It is easy to fall into the faulty idea that this makes women inferior or less important. Fulfilling a particular role that God has for a person is an essential part of any relationship, whether it’s employer vs. employee, laymen in church vs. pastors, man vs. God, pastors vs. God, etc. No one in any particular role has less value in God’s eyes.
Hebrews 13:5&6 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
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