[racooney]

I feel utterly overwhelmed. I'm a stay at home mom, and I find it hard to socialize with my friends because I feel guilty doing things without my kids. I am lonely because my husband doesn't like to do any of the things I do so he just plays video games.

It's hard to stay motivated to do my homework (I'm taking online classes this summer), keep the house clean, be a good mom to my 5 and 3 year olds, and be a positive, supporting wife. My husband is bipolar so he has his own issues and even though I've asked many times he doesn't help me around the house when my homework is overwhelming me. It's hard to get up in the morning, it's hard to get off the couch and be a good mom, and it's hard to be affectionate towards my husband because of all this.

I'm on prozac and the increased dosage should have helped, and it did for awhile. But I'm still depressed.

[glok]

Hello, racooney. Please consider telling your treatment team you need more help. The current treatment plan is not working.

Good luck.

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Racooney.

• Mother to a 3 year old
• Mother to a 5 year old
• Wife to a bipolar husband
• Student taking how many classes?

Even if you did not suffer from depression, even without guilt feelings, even with a stronger social life taking on all those roles would be taxing. "Overwhelmed" almost seems an understatement.

I'm glad you have pharmacological help. Would any of your friends be willing to socialize on "your turf?" What about counseling through your school? Does the institution have an office for students with disabilities or special needs (you are medicated for depression and are the main caretaker for a bipolar individual)?

Please make yourself at home here.

[Altered Moment]

You have a lot on your plate and being depressed makes it very difficult. Maybe a change in your antidepressant may help. Remember meds are only a part of the solution, it also takes maybe therapy and for sure a lot of support.