Feeling awful

[namechangedyetagain]

Just so ... flat. Feel i have nothing to look forward to, back to work next week and I don't want to go. Have spent the last week sleeping througg exhaustion. Nothing but increasing bills to look forward to, no light at the end of the tunnel.

I am lucky in that I have a roof over my head and family. Children had a good Christmas but I can't see any joy in life to come.

Have spent today either in tears or asleep. Im not the only one am I?

Nope I am the same. Miserable and can't see any light.

I don’t understand. Why don’t you give yourself something to look forward to? You’ve written this like you are a passive, agency-less victim in your own life.

Is there something bigger going on that is holding you back?

Well, we're past the solstice so the nights will be getting lighter
We have NYE to look forward to.
I'm a single mum with no sign of a payrise coming so I'm focused on where I can save money - I've tried some new recipes during the Christmas break. I'm getting good at buying most things we need second hand.

DS is my main source of joy. He keeps me going and cheers me up without even knowing it. He makes it all worthwhile 😊

Sorry OP. It is normal to feel like this after Christmas. January blues!

Any ideas of what might cheer you up?

A new book to start? Swimming? Crafts like crocheting? A new gym or dance class? New recipes to try from particular cuisines and get kids involved?

Same bloody hate after Christmas, it's wet and windy and it's all over: all I have to look forward to is my horrendous school runs with my autistic dd who hates school. Help!

@Cheerfulpedantry What do you mean you don't understand the OP? Why are you speaking as if you lack the concept of empathy, and do not understand peeople feeling low / depressed / worried about money whikst we are in COL crisis and inflation is high?

Like it's that easy 🙄

Yeah, you're not alone! Sorry you feel this way. Whilst your GP might say you're suffering from depression, and shove some Prozac/placebo pills in your face. I believe it's likely that your tough circumstances must cause you to be feeling this way......

It's challenging when you're in particularly tough circumstances e.g. single parent, no extended family support system, disabled DC, 1+ DC, low wages, high costs of living such as rent or mortgage, not enough money at the end of the month to save up for things to look forward to like saving for a summer holiday away, or weekend away, or if you have the money then not having a decent partner or family support system to takeover childcare, to allow respite time away from DC, and the list goes on.

Money buys options unfortunately not available to everyone. The only thing that gives me a glimmer of hope is that the Tories who largely caused this low living standard for the many, whilst skyrocketing wealth accumulation for the few, will be out on their ear in 2 years time. Hopefully then things might start to get better for the average Joe.

I am not passive but I do feel powerless to an extent. Things that I'd like to do eg a day at a spa for peace and quiet are unaffordable (to me). Even things like a take away so I don't have to meal plan is costly for the family.
i Don't really have any hobbies, life is full on during term time (teacher) which is probably why I find holidays so tricky. Too much time to dwell.

Have never done NYE as generally every year gets worse. Too many bereavements, parents in ailing health. It seems bleak 😪

I understand the concept that letting people feel helpless in their own lives does them no favors. I live with some of the worst most traumatic shit you can imagine. It’s from personal and painful experience that I know you have to put in the effort to find your ‘joy’.

it’s worth asking if there is more going on in OPs life which is making her feel she has no control over her own life or mental state. So I did.

It’s easier than the alternative.

I find it a horrible time of year, I always struggle after Christmas and in to January. New Year's Eve/ day tends to be the worst for me. I have so much to be thankful for but I really struggle to see it! I'm hoping to plan something to look forward to.

Just read that you're a teacher- I work term time only too, the end of every half term break brings that feeling of dread but I find this break the hardest to come back from.

I am relieved that others are also feeling this way. Just an overwhelming feeling of meh today. Weather not helping. Maybe tomorrow will be better.