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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Or is he?

56 replies

Howcloseisburnout · 11/04/2025 00:06

I’m really really struggling. I’m just feeling really overwhelmed by life, normal bog standard life.

This evening I’ve tried twice to explain to DH how overwhelmed I’m feeling. The first time he walked off as he’d seen something more interesting, the second he’s got mega cross with me for not seeing it from his perspective.

Backstory is we have four children. He is away at sea for long periods of time and comes home (current ‘visit’ is four days) so apart from financial burden everything else is on me. We’re currently living in one room due to work being done and outside area is yet to be landscaped (so is rough as). I’m just exhausted. Tbh it’s not physical it’s the mental juggle of everything all of the time, plus lack of sleep because it’s me that’s up in the night and then 6am the day starts again. I love looking after the kids it’s just draining and largely I don’t have anyone to discuss anything with never mind just the random crap in my head.

He’s upset because I’m not thinking how he feels not being here ever and missing everything.

I think he’s being a selfish shit for not realising I’m carrying everyone else and I just don’t have the mental capacity to carry his crap too. He is his only responsibility.

Sorry for the rant I know I just have to pull the big girl pants up and get on with it but it’s hard.

OP posts:
Eenameenadeeka · 11/04/2025 00:55

I don't think you are unreasonable at all. We have 4 children as well and if we were all living in one room I'd feel overwhelmed too! He should be able to listen and support you. I find that sometimes men think we're asking them to fix things, when we might just want them to hear how we feel. I'm sure he misses everyone when he's away and that's valid, but it's also valid that you are feeling exhausted doing all the childcare for 4 children on your own.

SnowFrogJelly · 11/04/2025 00:44

Howcloseisburnout · 11/04/2025 00:17

Relevance?

The relevance is why have 4 children in those circumstances

YesThatsATurdOnTheRug · 11/04/2025 00:20

I'm not surprised you're overwhelmed OP, that's a huge amount you're carrying. Of course he wants his 4 days at home to be nice but that's just not realistic when he's not supporting you in the hugely unbalanced load you're carrying for family life.

AllrightNowBaby · 11/04/2025 00:19

I can understand the struggle of 4 kids and living in a house with work going on.
All I can suggest is, can you speed up the work so your space will be more calm and hopefully then things will feel easier for you.
P.s. Ignore unhelpful comment above, some people are just rude.
Also, pat yourself on the back for doing an awesome job bringing up your 4 kids.

Howcloseisburnout · 11/04/2025 00:17

Relevance?

OP posts:
Isittimeformynapyet · 11/04/2025 00:11

Was your husband away a lot when you decided to have the 3rd child and the 4th?