love the steel magnolias reference. :)
Anger is a big part of my depression too. I get angry at my family and friends for not knowing what to say or not empathizing or validating my concerns. I get angry that I have to go through bouts of depression when others seem to just waltz through life without a care in the world.
With regard to your kids, I can’t imagine what that must feel like to be almost an empty nester. However, you are still their wonderful mom, that will never change! I called my mom all the time in college, and we had a blast whenever she would come up to visit me. Also, I wonder if this could be an exciting time to reconnect with yourself and focus on you, after so many ears of taking care of your kids and being selfless? Sending you support!

Hi. I read somewhere one time that our job as moms is to work ourselves out of a job. We are to prepare our kids to be healthy, very adjusted members of society. There will come a time where they will be on their own making their own decisions. If they can be independent, we have done a good job. It does mean a change in our own lives. We can then reevaluate our lives. We get to decide what we will do next. It is hard to transition because we have spent their whole lives taking care of them in one way or another. My oldest is in college, and I have started to volunteer with several organizations that I didn't have to work with before. I have gone back and gotten licensure in my degree field. My oldest daughter still needs me. We talk on the phone a lot. She asks for advice. She still needs encouragement. She likes to tell me what is going on in her life. Our relationship is still as strong as it has ever been. It has just changed as she has grown and I have to allow her to make her own decisions. I still get to support and advise her though. I like having an older child because I get a front row seat to see how she is growing and maturing and all the good things that she has in her life. Would you be open to talking with a counselor who can help you learn more coping skills to handle this season? I hope that you can start to see the positive in your situation and find the support you need during this time of transition. Hugs!

I'm sorry to hear you are going through this trial. I agree with Jenny focusing on things you had no time for before or engag9ng and trying some new things may help. It doesn't have to be a big change. When your depressed some of us find it hard to exercise. My suggestion. Is maybe 2 minutes 9f jumping Jack's, sit ups, etc. Maybe getting up earlier and watching the sunrise. Maybe taking a walk in the park. Something to move forward. Easier said than done. My prayers for you.