A nasty disease is reported cycling through homeschool moms as they begin the school year. It isn't the flu, though it can sometimes make you feel dizzy. You don't break out in spots or have to spend two weeks in bed recovering (though sometimes you wish you could just stay in bed and hide). Deeper study hasn't yet confirmed it, but by all indications it is contagious. What's interesting is that while it can be caught from obvious carriers who exhibit the symptoms, sometimes those exposed to a seemingly healthy homeschool mom, full of energy and confidence, get it the worst.

Maybe you've felt the symptoms: fatigue, fear, tightness in the neck and shoulders. Some moms report headaches or queasy stomachs. Occasionally, it can even affect thought processes and impede the ability to make decisions.

Here's how to tell if you have been infected. If you've dwelt on any (or all!) of the following questions, it is recommended that you immediately administer the antidotes explained at the bottom of this article. Long term dwelling on these questions deepens the severity of the disease. Here are the questions: Am I smart enough for this? Where am I going to get enough time? Am I organized enough? Do I have enough patience? Am I spiritual enough? Do I have enough qualifications? Am I wise enough? Am I . . . enough?

If any of those pesky "enough" germs have been getting you down, it may be helpful for you to know that you are not alone. Research indicates that every mom who has attempted homeschooling has asked one or more of these questions at some point in their journey. Even those moms who claim to have experienced relief from the symptoms admit that they sometimes relapse after they have seemingly conquered the disease.

Antidote # 1 is very important: Remember you are not alone. Find a trustworthy friend who has experienced similar symptoms and commit to encouraging each other. (Note: this antidote doesn't work if both parties wallow in the symptoms without fighting the illness through hugs, prayer, humor, and good advice. Many report that is it helpful to allow each other plenty of "vent" time before offering prayer or insight into the issues involved. Vent time can include complaining, whining, tears, or in advanced cases, anger. Short circuiting vent time sometimes results in a lack of healing from the disease and leaves the infected mom feeling less "enough" that before she sought support.)

Antidote # 2 is also effective for ushering in full health: Find a mentor who has experienced your stage of homeschooling. If you are just beginning, it might be most helpful to talk to a mom who has homeschooled for just a few years. If you're in a transition period, like having a new baby or your oldest entering high school, find a homeschool mom who has already navigated this stage. This antidote doesn't necessarily include venting, which may be more effective with a good friend who is a peer, but if the mentor is open to venting, this antidote may be administered alongside antidote #1. It is also helpful to ask the mentor to pray for you.