Member-only story
9 Reasons You Might Be Depressed As a Single Parent
And a tip or two on how to try to deal with them
Whether you’re a single parent by choice or through divorce or being widowed, it’s a hard gig. There’s no denying that there are plenty of problems that are unique to single parents. What we do try to deny is that we’re facing those problems and sometimes that they’re really bringing us down.
Depression affects 322 million people around the world. There are many types, with different severities and different treatments. Most involve seeing a doctor and either taking a medication or seeing a therapist regularly — and both of those can sometimes seem out of reach for a single parent.
But denying that your depression exists, if you have it, isn’t going to do you any favors. But there are a few things you can try before heading to the doctor. Take a look at these 9 reasons single parents might be depressed, along with a tip or two to try before heading to the doctor if you recognize one of the reasons in your life.
Lack of social support
When you get divorced, you instantly lose some family members as your former in-laws (typically) stick with your ex. But that’s not all you can lose. Some single parents find that their own family turns their back on them, as do…
