I Have Anxiety and Depression—and I’m a Good Mom

My name is Lauren. I have depression. I take my antidepressant. And because of it, I’m a better mom

It took me a few months to be able to tell a difference. But once it happened, the change was undeniable. I was intentional again. Happy. Interested. Joy reclaimed. Compassionate. It took everything I had in me to not squeeze the life out of my kids because I loved them so much, there was nothing that held me back from loving them the way I was meant to. I was finally free in my mind, and living in contentment.

My name is Lauren. I have anxiety. And I’m a good mom.

It only took me a few moments to know what it was. My heart was racing. Couldn’t catch my breath. Couldn’t think straight. Overwhelmed by my own mind. And so alone. It took everything I had in me to try to get away from where I was, let alone do it with grace and still take care of the kids. I was alone in my mind, the walls closing in around me. It was happening all the time, and I knew that something needed to change.

My name is Lauren. I have anxiety. I take my anti-anxiety medication. And because of it, I’m a better mom.

It only took me a few moments to know what it was. My heart was racing. But I could catch my breath. I was starting to be able to think straight. The feeling of being overwhelmed suddenly started to fade. And all of a sudden, I didn’t feel so alone. It took everything in me to breathe and stay where I was, but I did it with my meds and His grace, my children by my side. I was surrounded by His peace, the walls of my anxiety were melting around me. I was finally calm in my mind, and living in peace.

My name is Lauren, and I am a child of God. I have depression and anxiety. I take my meds. And because of it, I’m a better mom.

What’s YOUR name?