How do you destress? I'm at breaking point.

[Donthugmeimscared]

I need some ideas as I am currently feeling like I'm going to break.

I'm a single mum of three between 8 and 13 I haven't had a day to myself in a year and as lovely as they are they are hard work. I also work in a specialist school which is very stressful too.

Don't get me wrong I'm happy I left my abusive ex who emotionally and sexually abused me and I feel I should be happy as I've been managing alone for 2 years now but I just feel like I'm hanging on by a thread. I burst into tears on my way home yesterday for no reason I can't even remember the last time I cried but I just feel so much pressure.

I do have family but don't feel I can talk to them about how I'm feeling as they don't want to hear it. I've also never told Any one what happened with my ex. It's just like everything's chipping away.

Sorry enough moaning so back to my question how do you all destress after a hard day?

I see you work in a school. Does your employer offer any kind of employee counselling service? These are often available to larger organisations, are run by a third party, are free and confidential. May offer over the phone sessions as well as face to face. It's someone to talk to, and a fresh perspective.

Lots of short-term good ideas upthread. Hope you find something that works for you.

Thank you everyone again. I think my biggest problem is I don't show emotion at all and when I get down I go very inward. I'm trying my best to get over it and see the positives in my life.

@Donthugmeimscared don't feel like you just need to get over your feelings and just push it down. Sometimes everything feels too much and that's ok. Can you do start small with setting aside 20 minutes in an evening for a relaxing bath or shower? I get up a bit earlier and do 10 minutes of meditation as soon as I get up using the Headspace app. It means I start the morning feeling calm.

Look after yourself

Are they in Scouts? Weekend camps and summer camp could give you a break, though maybe not from all three at once.

My oldest is in cadets and youngest cubs which I have been roped into being a leader of. My middle son is being assessed for asd at the moment and trying to get him to do anything out of his normal routine is hard going.

www.educationsupportpartnership.org.uk

You can call this organisation and have completely free telephone counselling. You don’t have to tell them anything you don’t want to, but having someone who’s trained to listen and empathise can make the world of difference.

If you think about it, it’s utterly logical that someone who has spent many years coping with stressful situations would be good at shutting down emotions. Maybe what you’re starting to find is that those emotions are there and are starting to find the space to come out. In the long run it will be better but it might not feel like that now.

I’d really try to cut down any unnecessary work - it’s ok not to help everyone, you can put yourself first and say no to volunteering, extra stuff at work, doing everything in the house etc. Perhaps down tools at 8pm and if it’s not done, it’s not done. Give yourself some time and space to just be. Best of luck

Thanks again everyone. I've done my first step towards distressing by telling my son's cubs I can't be a leader at the moment. I. Also trying to work out what I don't need coming out money wise as that's one of my biggest stresses at the moment. Especially as Christmas is just round the corner and we are barely covering bills. Thanks again fr all your help.