We explore how you can find online therapy that takes insurance, plus we’ll discuss strategies to help you cope with depression in the moment
Parenting is difficult—no matter who you are—even when you are feeling your absolute best. But, what should parents do when they aren’t feeling their best mentally? Depression is common—especially among new parents—as they adjust to their new lives with children. Any major life change can be stressful and lead to symptoms of depression, so parents should not feel guilty for feeling down from time to time. However, when you are feeling overwhelmed or depressed, it is easy to fall into negative thought patterns that make parenting more difficult.
That’s why we’re here today to give you some tips on how to cope with depression as a parent. If you are someone who only experiences episodic symptoms or finds yourself feeling low from time to time, we have several ways to get you feeling better in the moment. We’ll also be exploring ways to find a therapist that takes insurance for those who experience chronic symptoms. Let’s get started and take a look at ways that you can start feeling better!
Find Online Therapy That Takes Insurance
Finding online therapy that takes your insurance helps parents get the resources they need without needing to leave the house
Finding virtual therapy services may be easier than you think.
For many people across the U.S., therapy is an essential form of mental health care. There are a lot of adults who credit therapy as one of the main reasons that their mental health has improved. So, we know that therapy is effective for treating the symptoms of depression, but how are busy parents supposed to attend therapy between chauffeur, chef, and coaching duties? The answer for a lot of parents is finding online therapy that takes insurance. In recent years, online therapy has become a much more common form of therapy as more people began working and learning from home.
One of the main concerns that a lot of people have about purchasing online therapy is the cost. That’s why we recommend finding an online therapy service that takes your insurance. There are more services out there that are taking insurance than ever before. If you aren’t able to locate a dedicated online therapy service, we recommend reaching out to a local therapist in your area that takes your insurance and asking if they are comfortable providing virtual care. These days, therapists understand that virtual therapy is sometimes the only option for people with very busy lifestyles and are willing to accommodate.
Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy and can give parents the tools they need to overcome depressive episodes and manage their symptoms.
Establish a Support Network
By seeking out other parents who are struggling, you’ll feel less alone
An in-person or online support group will help you put your feelings in context.
Seeking out friends—whether they be online or in-person—to help get support during hard times is a great long-term coping strategy for parents with depression. Using your support group you can get feedback on different ways to parent through a depressive episode, share stories, and even have a few laughs about the things you share in common. Loneliness is one of the most common symptoms of depression, so anything you can do to find commonality with your fellow parents can help alleviate symptoms.
Ask for Help When You Need It
Don’t put off getting the help you need when you are experiencing symptoms
Something as simple as calling a friend can help ward off symptoms.
When you are in the midst of a depressive episode, it can be difficult to reach out for help. Often, symptoms of depression lead to feelings of worthlessness, making parents feel like they are failing or that they do not deserve help. While we know this is untrue, it can sometimes be hard to see through the depressive fog. It is important to remember in these scenarios that you are allowed to ask for help. You may need to talk to a friend or family member or have someone watch your children for a few hours to give yourself a much-needed mental break. Everyone needs a little help from time to time, so don’t feel shameful for reaching out.
Keep Things Positive
The media you surround yourself with can affect your daily mood
Getting outside for a few hours a day helps minimize stress and limits screen time.
These days, it is more difficult than ever to avoid depressing news and world events. It can be tempting to search for the latest updates on social media or keep the news on TV, but our brains are not designed for the 24-hour news cycle. While it is important to keep up with the news to some extent, it can be difficult to take in new—often upsetting—information while parenting. We recommend giving yourself a break from current events and other upsetting forms of media so you have more bandwidth to be the best parent you can be.
We hope you found a few of these strategies helpful for coping with depression as a parent. Overall, we want you to remember that you are not alone and that you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. Being a parent is one of the most difficult jobs out there, so even if you aren’t able to give your 100% every day, you are still worthy of love and support from your children, family, and friends.
