During my most severe depression when my son was just 2 years old, I was quite unable to look after him. I was living with my supportive mother who took care of him physically, bathing him, putting him to bed and things like that. It took a couple of months and I gradually began to look after my son again. I remember feeling that I was a bad mom because all I could do was lie in a dark room and cry instead of caring for my son but I realize today that I had to do whatever I could to get out of my black hole.

So, I understand your feelings and feel very sad for you that people are saying that you're a horrid mother.

Taking care of your child and yourself in this way shows that you love your child very much and certainly does not make you a bad mother.