How on earth do I be a good parent when I am not well myself?

[CatsSleepAnywhere]

Hi all, As the title says really. I have been experiencing a few Mental health problems which I will be getting help for but how do I carry on with life as normal till I start getting help. Everything seems so difficult right now.

[madmouse]

You do it because you have to. Day by day hour by hour. Treat the kids as the priority customer for whatever little energy you have, try not to beat yourself up for being a crap mum because that costs more energy. Have a big cry when they don't see it and remind yourself that they are loved and they are cared for!

I was diagnosed with PTSD when ds was a year and things got pretty grim (suicidal, flashbacks all the time, no sleep etc) for a long time. In the meantime dh had a breakdown and his worst bout of depression yet. We both needed therapy, I needed a lot of support from friends just to survive and we both did what we could for ds, who is also disabled.

He is now 4 and he is happy, secure and sunny - we feel very pleased and relieved that he has come through so well.

Hope that gives you hope.