I know that I have written a bit about mental health for the single parent, and staying positive and confident. These things ARE important and can be especially hard for stressed-out single parents. But, in all fairness, I thought I should make a secret confession…sometimes, there is just nothing more helpful and healing that to have a good, self-pitiful, cry!
I have been at this single parenthood/parenthood thing for quite some time and I’ve learned that even the bleakest, most frustrating days are usually followed by something a little more pleasant. Eventually, kids move out of aggravating phases and they move on to something else (usually giving us a little reprieve before the next challenging phase). This doesn’t make me immune to mood swings and emotions. In fact, even though I know that tomorrow will likely be a better day—sometimes giving in to the overwhelming frustration and allowing myself a good, sloppy, sobbing cry—is the healthiest thing I can do for myself.
You’ve probably realized from my writing that I am not in the habit of feeling sorry for myself, and I choose to try to find some humor and purpose in everything—but I’m here to tell you that I did not draw the easy straws—I don’t have easy-to-parent kids, and I am a single parent supporting a household completely on my own—in my world things can get hard—the plumbing backs up, a pet dies, the money runs out, my friends ignore me for weeks, you name it—I can only bounce and “buck up” for so long before the moodiness wears on me and the tears well up. OR, I may find myself watching a deliciously sappy movie and I get to sneak in a good, hearty cry under the auspices of “the storyline.” It is okay to cry sometimes. In fact, it can be the best thing for you. The important thing is not to get locked into depression—if you find that you are crying regularly or having trouble getting through the necessities of a day because of your depressed emotions—then it is time to seek professional help.
Also: A Sense of Humor