It sounds like you are feeling a little overwhelmed right now. Is that right?
You have come to the right place, we will help you through this. Ok first of all I recommend your wife work her way through the program. This has helped many members and it can help her too. There are many treatment options out there you just need to find it. Talk to a counselor or someone in your community center they may be able to refer you to support groups and services that can help.
A few more tips:
-Encourage exercise. Exercise can alleviate 70% or mild to medium depression. She needs to get out there and get moving
-Journal, recording her feelings may help her make sense of them and pin point triggers
-Try to socialize more. Humans are social beings and many house wives get depressed because they only have social interaction with their families. They may be isolated and lonely without even realizing it. Having friends outside the family will help
-She should adopt a hobby that she enjoys. Again, it's all about getting moving. Finding purpose and joy is important.
-Meditate and practice relaxation exercises. This is one of the top three stress busters
-Love each other, cuddle, talk, spend time together. Being in an intimate, loving relationship significantly helps
Start with those suggestions.
Also, it is very normal they she would be stressed to enter the workforce again. It has been a long time and it can be very overwhelming; but having a job may be actually just what she needs, it will give her confidence, get her moving and make her socially active. I highly recommend for her to go speak with a career counselor. Just look up career counselor in book or internet. They are free and they often offer programs especially for women who are planning on returning to work. They can help her with networking, confidence building, resumes and much more! I think she might feel much less stressed if she has a plan.
Last but not least, I am concerned when you say that her depression is taking a toll on your health. I can hear the pain and love in you when I read your post. It is normal to worry about your wife but it does not help her if you are unwell with stress. Take time for yourself. Be sure that you also are exercising and eating right. This makes a big difference. Also, it might be nice for you two to take up meditation or practice relaxing breathing together. Do things that make you happy.
Stay strong and post often,
Ashley, Health Educator
