If You Are Depressed, How Do You Maintain A Positive Attitude In Front Of Your Kids?

That’s it exactly. You pretend to be happy when you are not. Try not to look at this as a form of dishonesty, but rather a sacrifice for your children. Younger children aren’t usually that shrewd. Teens are more likely to know the difference. The nice thing about pretending is that it actually can transform your mood into a more positive one which benefits everyone, including you! I would rather create the illusion of happiness for my kids than leave them with the memory of growing up in a melancholy household.

Hi! First of all, I hope that you are getting help from a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. I have suffered depression for the last 6 years, and I managed to hide it from every single person that I knew (not necessarily the best choice seeing as how I didn’t get help until last year). I did successfully hide it nonetheless. It’s almost like acting. Try to just remember what it is like to be happy and milk it for all it’s worth. It’s almost like having multiple personality disorder (without the actual disorder of course ) Don’t go too far; obviously maintain your personality – don’t become someone else while trying to cover up your depression because it’s not worth it. I think it would also depend on how old your kids are. If your kids are teens, I think you should tell them and explain what you’re going through. If they are young, then, yes, I agree with you on hiding it. Always remember to be true to yourself at least when in private and be honest to yourself. Pretend that you are in a play and must act to win a million dollars or something. Definitely get help, though, if you aren’t already because it’s not worth waiting. I definitely regret not getting help while in or before high school. Good luck!

They might not know what depressed means, but they can pick up on your “energy”. Being happy is more than just smiling, they are going to be picking something up. Also, they are going to wonder if it has something to do with them.
How do you “pretend” to be happy? It sounds like you trying to expend a tremendous amount of energy to “pretend” to be happy lately. You can do it “short-term”, I guess.
The more fundamental question is; are you getting or seeking help so you’re not working so hard?

You may not have to always maintain a positive attitude with them, but don’t withdraw from them or see you feeling helpless.
Try to remember how much you love them. Look at baby pictures.
Try to pretend you are happy, it might actually make you less depressed.
Yes, they sense when you are depressed because they need you for their existence.
Is their father around to help?
My mom was depressed. Scared the hell out of me…I think I was about 8.

This partly depends on the age of your children. But, your depression is a real life issue, and perhaps it runs in your family. If this is true, and they are at risk, it could help them to have you show them how to properly deal with depression. (It is also a good lesson on how to deal with life problems in general) But again, this is an age matter. Children are not easily fooled. Unlike adults, little kids are not tricked by words, but pay attention to actions.
They will need to deal with saddness at some point in life- perhaps not depression. To teach them how to manade their feelings and not hide from them.

Almighty God wants you to have a genuine happy and hopeful life. Just come to Jesus with genuine repentance and faith, and you will find a life worth-living.
In the Beginning God created heavens and earth.
God gives us air to breathe and sunshine to enjoy.
God gives us water to drink and food to eat.
God gives us a wonderful body and a sound mind and life.
God loves us, and we are precious to Him.
The Son of God died on the Cross to save us from condemnation.
Jesus’ love is boundless and everlasting.
We have the hope of Heaven through Jesus.
Your life therefore has a fantastic and glorious future!
(Please must visit: http://www.spiritlessons.com)

I personally don’t have any kids, but I have had a problem battling depression all my life. I don’t want anyone to notice at home or work. I think depression is unchanneled anger find out what the root of the anger is and try to overcome it. In today’s world there’s alot that can bring us down. Try to focus on the good things like staying happy and healthy. Family is the heart of our existence just keep happy thoughts in mind and try to tackle whatever is bugging you! good luck