I can't cope any more

[Witsends]

I just want to stop existing for a while.
I love my children but I'm a useless parent.

[Witsends]

Sorry I should say I'm not going to harm myself. I'm just struggling.

[glitch]

Have you got anyone to look after your children, if only for a day, just to give you a bit of space?
Sorry you are feeling like this.

[madmouse]

What makes you think you are a useless parent? In my experience those worried that they are rubbish parents rarely are x

[liveinazoo]

has something specific happened to make you think this?

[Witsends]

Thanks for the replies.
I feel a bit like I'm stuck in panic mode.
The kids are both ill at the moment, the eldest has a chest infection and the toddler has a cold and has been running a temp for a week.
Then this morning the toddler fell down the stairs (about three stairs) and landed on the back of his head.
I'm just so worried about them all the time I can't think about the practical things like what to cook etc

[liveinazoo]

its all understandable then
you are tired and stressed(nothing new probably,but poorly kids can take you to new higher levels)
only do what is absolutely unavoidable for a couple of days,get as much sleep as possible(napping with them if an option)and eat easy to prepare food

im sure once they are feeling a bit better you will feel back in control again

being a mum is always going to have challenges and "bad days"

thats when MN invaluable for support.x

[Witsends]

thank you x

[madmouse]

I bet you haven't been sleeping much then. Tiredness is the number one multiplying factor in anxiety for me. Go into survival mode for a bit - I bet the kids are not eating that well so give them what they fancy for a few days, sod the housework, get the DVDs out. It's surprising how quickly you can catch up with the housework again after a few days mess (as I found recently when I wrecked my shoulder falling off my bike).

[sensesworkingovertime]

You must be really tired you poor thing, having young children is stressful enough, never mind when they're poorly.
It's been said before, sod the housework, that can wait, only do essential stuff. About the cooking, while they're poorly I doubt they want huge meals, just try something simple and nutritious - rice pudding, toast, egg, whatever, also a decent breakfast cereal at any time of day can be yummy. Just make sure they are drinking enough ( and look after yourself). You'll get through it, take care.

[ChiefPotterer]

Couldnt read and run-witsends is there any way you could have a touch of depression? I only ask because you mention being stuck on panic mode and not knowing what to make for dinner and it reminds me of how I felt when I had a recent bout of depression. Perhaps it would be worth a trip to gp?- do not suffer in silence-you can and will feel much better soon.