I am Unable to Play with My Toddler Leigh

"Hi, I got depression when my baby was born. I was on tablets and they seemed to work and I'm not depressed anymore but I still can't be able to play with my daughter. I feel really upset about this. My daughter is three."

Anna says: It takes a little while before you start feeling, what you may perceive as normal, after recovering from depression. Recovery itself can be a lengthy process, so be aware that there are no accurate set timings when it comes to overcoming depression. Interaction with others, including your daughter, will naturally be affected in some way, as you begin to gradually regain confidence and build self-esteem. Ease yourself into the process by asking other people – family members and friends – to help you by spending time with you and your daughter. This will enable you to participate at your pace without feeling that you have to take full control of your child’s playtime experiences.

Taking your daughter to organised activities, where you can meet other parents, is also a good idea. Many of these activities are solely for the child’s participation so you can watch from the sidelines or chat to the other parents whilst your daughter enjoys herself.

Cherish the moments you do spend in your daughter’s company, by selecting activities that require the minimum of effort on your part. You can watch her favourite film together, share picture books or allow her to play make-believe whilst you prepare the evening meal in her company. Your interaction does not have to be full on all of the time. The fact that she is doing things around you will keep her smiling.

Useful links
Staying well after depression
Free pre-school activities
Post natal depression advice

Anna Martin is a qualified life coach and also an experienced listener to people's problems. If you would like a confidential consultation on personal coaching, you can contact her at mylifesupport.com .

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