Overwhelmed and struggling

[cattypussclaw]

Posting in the hope of a little handhold.

As a family, we got off very lightly during the worst of the pandemic. No one sick and everyone in jobs that were unaffected. Counted ourselves lucky. 2020 was dull but not devastating.

2021 has been a different matter, so far. My sister is being treated for breast cancer (hopefully caught in time), my Mum has terminal cancer (not caught in time) and my daughter is self-harming. Now I have to have a hysteroscopy next week as an ultrasound I had over the Easter hols is "worrying". My job can be quite stressful too as I support SEN children with significant behavioural issues.

I don't know how to describe how I feel at the moment other than to say that the tiniest things tip me over the edge. The cat was sick on the carpet - I cried. A jar of jam fell out of the fridge, smashed on the kitchen floor, chipped the tiles and made a huge mess - I cried. The hoover got blocked (again, I hate that Shark) and spat back out out all the bits hoovered up in the previous couple of days when I moved it - I cried...

I know all this is just life and I'll get through it but any tips on how to cope? Other than drinking all the gin in the house? Husband is sympathetic, friends supportive, but struggling to get through every day. Just want to go to bed, pull the duvet over my head and stay there. Already on anti-depressants!

Thanks.

Hi,
I'm sorry about your sister and mum. It must be extremely upsetting for you. I hope your test results come back fine and you get well soon.
Please take one day at a time. Obviously you are stressing over things which is why you are getting upset. It's hard being stuck at home because of covid, but maybe you could go on a short break (locally) for a change. Also, try to go on a walk everyday and please talk to your partner. It will help you feel better.
Could you take some time off work?

So sorry you're feeling like this, I don't have any advice unfortunately as I'm feeling much the same. I've reached a point where I feel completely flat, I'm just going through the motions every day until I can get in bed again. I think I've had so much stress I've just shut down. My stomach is constantly churning and I feel low level nauseous. I cry for stupid reasons, when I've never been much of a crier! Every day I think I can't do this anymore, but I have to because there's no alternative.
I did start embroidery a while back, and recently picked it up again. It has helped in that it gives me time where my brain switches off and the time seems to fly by. Do you have anything like that?
Is taking some time off work an option?
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