Image zoom Credit: Getty Images. Nearly a year ago, I wrote this in my journal: "I am deeply depressed." Later entries echo this sentiment of depression, along with deep grief for lives lost from COVID-19 and a paralyzing fear of getting sick. As the pandemic dragged on, my depression got worse. Like so many other working mothers around the world, the school shutdowns made it hard to get work done. Every morning I'd muster the energy to play with my son for a few minutes before checking the day before's death toll. I'd become so overwhelmed that I left my preschooler with his Legos so I could go cry in the bedroom.