[rcrss5]

I have been dealing with depression for a while, but it has gotten worse since I moved back to my home state. Everything is going wrong. I have five kids and I am single. I have been seeing my primary doctor, who has prescribed me meds. I need therapy but i live in rural area and cannot go where i want to go, so I finally call the place in my area and they tell me they cannot see me until August, I won't need an appointment by then because I will probably have a complete breakdown and end it. I also found out today that I am up for SSDI review and two days ago when I was at my daughter's softball game my son may have ingested some medication. My 17 and 14 year old were babysitting. Anyway the paramedics came and the police. They took him to the hospital and we stayed overnight, he had not effects. Now I have been reported to child protective services and the police officer told me I can be charged. I just don't know how much more I can handle my life. I cry everyday, feel hopeless, helpless, and empty. I feel even more hopeless knowing I cannot find a therapist. I am really thinking about letting my husband have the kids for a while, but that will kill me too.

[Rose76]

I'm sorry you have so much to cope with. Kids getting hold of parents' prescription medication is not such an uncommon thing these days. I can't imagine that the Law is going to make a huge big deal out of this. Mainly, they need to know that you will take more care to guard your meds from getting into the wrong hands. I have a feeling you can manage to do that.

Trying to manage 5 kids alone sounds to me like a huge challenge. Whether or not it is doable probably depends a lot on the kids. Growing up, I used to babysit 3 younger siblings, quite a bit, from the time I was 13, if not younger. But - that was in a different era. Somehow, I suspect that delegating responsibility to older children is more problematic these days.

I am sorry that you are so overwhelmed. You need support. Are there no grandparents who can help?

[Rohag]

Hello, Rcrss5! I very much agree with Rose76. A therapist is great, but I think you need practical support beyond what a therapist can give. Have you tried to contact 2-1-1 / social services in your location?

EDIT: OK, I see I've already made the above suggestion. What you are facing would be much even for a person not suffering from depression. I hope you can find, in one form or another, the kind of support that relieves you of burdens without separating you from your children.

[turquoise4]

Hi rcrss5,

It sounds like you are dealing with a lot. I really wish there was a way for you to get more support. Are there any community groups or churches in your area that could help? I know that it does not replace therapy, and I do not know your religious belief, but sometimes church leaders can provide some counseling. Keep sharing on here. You deserve support!