I sent an email to my husband at work this morning. I probably should have had this conversation with him in person last night, but I hadn’t put into words, my words how the death of Robin Williams affected me. To my husband I shared that “I’m not sure that you fully understand the grey days that I have they are not caused by any event, they just are. I thought with all the public talk of depression I need to be more honest with you. Although I have NEVER had any suicidal thoughts or any thoughts of harm, there are days for me that it is hard to just be upright. I cannot put it into words how that feels. I just want to be honest here and in that same token I can’t just be fixed I just need you to understand and not push me to feel better.”
I think I’ve suffered from this “grey” for a long time even when I was younger just never had a label for it. Some days it was just easier to stay inside and hide then to be out and socialize. When I lived alone whole weekends would go by and I would stay in my apartment just getting through the days before returning to work on Mondays. When we went through infertility and subsequently our journey to parenthood through adoption it was there, always there. When I first became a mom people always commented how I would be out doing things ALL the time with my girls as they were babies and even still now that they are older. No one knows but this is my coping mechanism so as not to let the “grey” take over. If I’m home in the house too much I get boxed in and feel closed in. Being out and about and doing things keeps these feelings at bay. We all benefitted from my taking us out on adventures it clears my head and my girls and I got to experience things together. I was better at this when they were younger it takes more effort on my part now since they can entertain themselves and I can just sit. I’ve missed out on social things because I just can’t shake this feeling, I’d rather do nothing and sleep by staying within myself than be out I need to be better at pushing myself to not let the “grey” take over even today. I think it’s become more constant since I’ve hit the pre-menopausal stage of my life even with antidepressants.
What really struck a chord with me yesterday was when our 8-year-old shared that she felt glum a couple of times. I know that feeling and it’s not easy to shake. I will be watching her and talking with her to draw from her what she is feeling. I am hoping for her it’s just the change in pace from the last few weeks of camp and activities but I will be watching. Depression does not know age, it does not care who you are and as the world learned yesterday it does not care if you are rich and famous.
I am hopeful that now that I’ve been honest with my husband he can be there for me and not try to fix me.
Here are other personal accounts of friends and fellow bloggers who have been there and struggled
At the Napkin Holder In His Shoes
At Another Version Of Mother Depression Is
At No Points for Style An Eternal Multitude of Despondency
What makes a Real family? 
Good for you for speaking up for yourself – sometimes using email just makes it easier. And for your 8yo, the same thing can be said about having the conversation in the car. Sometimes a voice from the backseat is also easier than face-to-face.
Thank you Cheryl!
Sometimes, sending an email is better and easier. I know I send those emails to my husband. I agree with Cheryl about having those conversations in the car. I remember many conversations in the car with my mom about all sorts of things. In the car and in the kitchen. Somehow, doing something together made it easier to talk. Thanks for your openness. I’m glad that we walk this journey – through the valleys and the mountaintops together. I am thankful for you friend – wish I was closer in distance to you!
Thank you Phyllis!
Thanks for sharing what’s going on with you, Lisa, and kudos for sharing your story with your husband and with us. It’s good your daughter spoke up about her feelings – that’s a sign she is aware and reaching out. Good work, Mama.
Thank you Kimberly!
Those grey days are so hard. I, too, feel cooped up with the kids and so we plan activities almost every day.Thank you for sharing your feelings and experience and having the courage to talk about it. I feel less alone, and I’m sure other do too!
Thank you Melissa!