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Can't cope with her anymore

76 replies

MummyParanoia101 · 02/06/2019 11:50

1 of 2 Sorry, had to post my OP in two parts - stupid App!

Sorry, it's a long one but please read if you can...

I love my DD (4) to bits, of course I do. But I can't do this anymore.
For context, I'm a disabled lone parent after her so-called Dad (who was my Carer) ran off with a Nurse when DD was 12 months. He hasn't seen DD since. His parents have hardly bothered either. They all live miles away.
I only have my elderly Mum and useless brother for family. I don't have any friends besides one whom I speak to on the phone (and coincidentally lives near DD's DF & his family).
I'm currently suffering from horrific depression & anxiety. It's making me angry, teary, barely able to function most days and on the verge of becoming Suicidal (have attempted in the past and once actually briefly succeeded).

I really want to make a point of stating that my DD is NOT neglected in any way. I make sure that, no matter how painful/difficult for me in times of crisis/upset, she has NO idea there's anything wrong. She's well looked after, has all she could ever need & more and most of what she wants as well! She's a very, very happy kid and is known in her class for being the happiest, full of beans, never-stops-bloody-singing type!
She is also NOT my Carer (as was automatically presumed & declared by a poster on here once, as soon as I mentioned I was a disabled lone parent Hmm) She's a fab kid and flipping hilarious. (Especially if you just listen to her chattering to herself whilst playing!)
Despite her amazing-ness (not a word, I know!), I just cannot cope. I honestly can't. I can't do it anymore 😢
I've tried talking to people about this, I've cried out to my Mum for emotional support but unfortunately, my Mum doesn't 'do' emotional support 🤨. However, she does look after her for me one night per week (afternoon to lunchtime) and then in half term an additional day & couple of hours during another day which I fully appreciate. I'd genuinely be in a much, much worse place if she didn't. I don't disregard all that she does do.
However, I've tried a thousand times in a thousand different ways to have a normal, calm conversation with her about how I'm feeling and my desire for her to give a little more emotional support but she categorically doesn't know what she is meant to say or do. She's just not an 'emotion' person. No hugs as a kid etc.
Her & my Dad were just the same like that, God rest his soul.
My point being, that my Mum is not an avenue I can further explore for additional help here. She's 75 and whilst fitter than most her age (long dog walks), she is feeling her age and cannot cope with DD for more than 24 hours. It's too much for her too.

OP posts:
MummyParanoia101 · 02/06/2019 14:20

I'm in North Yorkshire.

Apparently I don't have Bi-Polar because my down mood is caused by negative circumstances/events. This was told to me by a Psychiatrist.

I don't work due to my Disabilities (I have an Aviation Degree and used to have a career) My Disabilities are MS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue & Hypermobility Syndrome.

Sorry I know it's not the case that someone can tell me what's going to work. I guess I just needed a handhold and to talk about it. Hear that I'm not alone. Loneliness is one of the biggest contributory factors in my depression. I don't have that one special close person. Either a friend or partner. I don't have anyone to give me a cuddle/tell me everything is going to be ok etc. I'm so so sooo bloody lonely

OP posts:
keepingbees · 02/06/2019 14:24

Ah you're not in my area, that's a shame. I'll hold your hand though, I'm alone too.

Are there any support groups in your area for either ASD or your disabilities? Facebook might be a good place to start looking. They sometimes do meet ups and it would be a chance for you to meet people in a similar position.
You may not see it but you are doing really well at a really difficult job, parenting is hard enough let alone by yourself and with health problems.

MummyParanoia101 · 02/06/2019 14:31

@keepingbees Thankyou. I'll look but I know there's no longer any single parent support groups (Gingerbread no longer exists) so probs the same for ASD. Will look though x

Are you a Bee Keeper? 🤨🙃

OP posts:

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NoBaggyPants · 02/06/2019 14:38

Psychological therapies are available in North Yorkshire. You can self refer.

www.tewv.nhs.uk/services/improving-access-to-psychological-therapies-iapt-north-yorkshire/

madroid · 02/06/2019 14:41

I suggest you seriously consider getting your dd into nursery or a childminder asap. Once school starts you'll feel much better.

Will you be able to do any sort of work to do once your dd is at school?

Mummoomoocow · 02/06/2019 14:48

I feel you OP

You don’t want people to be telling you where to go or what to try, you want to talk about it and let some of those nastiest thoughts and feelings air out

I want to know your story, I’ve endured a chronic depression that just won’t lift and a dc of 16 months that, whilst I love him with all of my being, contributes to my never ending loneliness

Reaching out a hand here, tell me what hurts the most

fedup21 · 02/06/2019 14:51

You say your ex used to be your carer, who is your carer now?

DianaT1969 · 02/06/2019 15:02

I wonder about the loneliness aspect. If you didn't have a DC, how do you think your life would be? More social, or less?

If it were just you in an empty home, what would you do differently? Get pets, make more friends due to having more time? Go on dates? Wondering if you can incorporate any of that?

MummyParanoia101 · 02/06/2019 15:30

@madroid She's in nursery mon - fri afternoons

@Mummoomoocow Thankyou I can relate. Will reply properly once we get home. Have dragged myself out to soft play to let her get some exercise!

OP posts:
MummyParanoia101 · 02/06/2019 15:31

@DianaT1969 I had lived alone for 14 years before having DD and I felt much less lonely. I could do what I want but with a child you're confined to their routine

OP posts:
MummyParanoia101 · 02/06/2019 15:31

@fedup21 Nobody

OP posts:
IvanaPee · 02/06/2019 15:45

If ex was your carer and has left, how come you haven’t been assigned another one?

Could you look into that?

I agree with a PP about school. It could be a huge benefit to both of you! Play days, parties, more socializing. You could meet a couple of really good friends!

For summer, have you looked at camps etc? Good for dd and will give you some time.

How about volunteering with guides or scouts? It’s something for you and dd to be involved in?

giddyyup · 02/06/2019 15:50

Ivanapee you don't just get 'assigned' a carer Confused

giddyyup · 02/06/2019 15:51

If you have care needs OP then what about contact SS for a care needs assessment for yourself as a start? If your needs are eligible they have to meet them.

aPengTing · 02/06/2019 15:54

If your needs are eligible they have to meet them

Lol. It doesn’t work like that in real life.

SinkGirl · 02/06/2019 15:57

Sending big hugs. I’m disabled too (although I struggle using that term - ME, fibro (allegedly), endometriosis and adenomyosis and some sort of hormone issue as yet to be established). I have disabled twins who are 2.5 - ASD for both, one with a visual impairment, brain damage and endocrine issues

It is fucking hard and I’m not a lone parent, but there’s no family around and we are completely on our own with it all. It’s overwhelming.

Any chance of increasing the hours at pre-school? Switching to 2.5 days rather than 5 afternoons or four afternoons and a full day? Really depends what works best for you of course. Any local organisations that support parents of kids with disabilities or disabled parents? Have you tried your local family information service?

Flowers
IvanaPee · 02/06/2019 15:58

What’s the face for? I should have just magically known that, should I?

Is it really that much of a stretch that she had a carer so should continue to have one?

Illberidingshotgun · 02/06/2019 16:05

Please don't totally disregard SS, they can be a huge source of support, and good for referrals on to other services. We have had a variety involved, but have an ongoing SW from the disabled children's team who has got to know us very well and is always at the end of the 'phone.

As it sounds like your DD has some additional needs, have you contacted North Yorkshire Pact? Each one is different, but they should be able to signpost to local groups, services and charities who may be able to offer some support.

RandomMess · 02/06/2019 16:11

Can you get a referral to sure start? Usually it is HV that does that. They may also know about some other volunteer or charitable groups that could provide you with adult company or emotional support?

DianaT1969 · 02/06/2019 18:05

Perhaps OP meant that her ex-BF was her unofficial carer.

SinkGirl · 02/06/2019 18:18

I’m certain that’s what she meant.

OP, Sure Start isn’t a thing any more (not where I am anyway!) but Home Start is and we’ve finally been assigned a volunteer to start soon. I can’t wait. They work with those with kids under 5 so I’d get in there now - health visitor, portage etc can all refer or you may be able to self refer.

RandomMess · 02/06/2019 18:20

I meant home start Grin

IvanaPee · 02/06/2019 18:30

Does unofficial carer mean that he just took care of stuff at home without any official capacity?

If so, I wonder OP if you’ve ever looked into any sort of official carer situation?

MummyParanoia101 · 02/06/2019 18:33

@IvanaPee He was my unofficial Carer.

How can I possibly volunteer with guides or scouts when I'm disabled? I'm struggling with one so I certainly can't take on more kids!

OP posts:
MummyParanoia101 · 02/06/2019 18:34

How would I get an official Carer?

OP posts:
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