Suicidal Thoughts Prevention and the Stay-at-home Mom

This article was previously published at examiner.com:

A stay-at-home mom's life is not the glamour job some people think it is. There are good days and bad days. It is normal to feel angry, resentful, guilty, unappreciated or even question your decision to be a stay-at-home mom sometimes.

However, these feelings can lead to depression and even thoughts of suicide when the feelings occur on a regular basis. If you experience thoughts of suicide, get help right away. Call 911 or 1800-273-TALK.

Here are some tips to prevent suicidal thoughts for the stay-at-home mom:

1. Ask yourself why you are feeling angry, upset, or depressed. Finding out why you are feeling the way you do is the first step to coming up with a solution. Is it because you are burned out? Do you feel like your husband (or partner) does not appreciate you?
2. Talk to a friend who understands. Sometimes, all it takes to gain perspective is a good friend who understands. Talk to someone who will not judge you about your struggles as a stay-at-home mom.
3. Manage your stressors. Everyone has different stressors or triggers. Do you feel stressed when you are unable to manage your time? If so, figure out how you can manage your time wisely. Are you spending too much time in the house? If so, get out in the sunshine. If it's raining, get out anyway.
4. Make time for yourself. Do something you enjoy without the kids. Go out to watch a movie or read a good book. Do something fun.
5. Create goals for yourself. Write your goals and work towards them. Having goals gives your life meaning and keeps you from getting depressed.
6. Find a support group. It helps to know you are not alone. Find other moms in your area and form an informal support group.
7. Take care of yourself. Sometimes stay-at-home moms get so busy taking care of their family, they forget to take care of themselves. Make sure you are eating balanced meals and exercise.
8. Think positive. Stay-at-home moms who focus on their blessings are generally less depressed than those who look at the glass half empty.
9. Help someone else. No matter how bad things get, you can always do something for someone else. Even if it is just a hug or phone call. Helping someone else will help you feel better about your day.
10. Relax. When you wake up every morning, decide that you will relax and have fun.

Because a stay-at-home mom never gets a break or vacation, there will be days when she feels alone and even depressed. When you have one of those days, take a deep breath and exhale. Then, find a way to understand your feelings and come up with a solution. Doing so, will help keep suicidal thoughts away.