How do you stop being irritable?

[Pancakemum101]

I’d really like some help/tips. Please be kind.

Long story short. I’m a long term anxiety sufferer (debilitating at times). Now on waiting list for ADHD/Autism assessment. I’ve got IBS & overactive bladder plus migraines that make me dizzy/nauseous. I’m jumpy and very intolerant to noise. Added to all of that I think I’m in peri menopause and I’m getting hot flushes. I used to get bad pms but now I seem to be all over the place at different times.

Essentially I feel uncomfortable, tired and irritable all the time. Routine is all off with the dc being off school.

None of the above is going to be instantly resolved, I have been to the GP so don’t really need advice on that, but I don’t want to spend all Summer being an irritable, snappy mum.

Need some self help quick fixes. If there are any. Or if anyone is in a similar boat how are you coping?

I do not have any advice but I can say that even without everything you are dealing with, I am hugely irritable and have young children, so I can totally understand why you are feeling how you are feeling. Hopefully some one else will come along with some helpful recommendations. Hang in there x

HRT, exercise (running), making sure I eat, wearing loop ear buds. Trying to do things I enjoy (DC are teens so a little easier).

It’s not easy but aware that I am snappy and irritable is a good starting point.

HRT

I would definitely talk to the GP about HRT. There's also some research that peri menopause can present as ADHD or enhance existing ADHD traits - I don't know the details but have seen it referenced a few times in passing.

At a more practical level, I find that reducing your obligations helps. I have a tendency to be trying to do 5 things at once to a tight deadline. Then the smallest thing throws me off and sends me into an irritable tail spin. reducing the burden and being much clearer in my head, and to my family, that I am doing x now for the next 30 minutes then I can do y helps me.

The reality is that as women we are often also expected to be at everyone else's beck and call. With ADHD and peri menopause to contend with, this constant assault on us is absolutely overwhelming.

HRT
Daily exercise
Prioritise sleep
Eat properly
Small moments for yourself as much as you can, things you enjoy, whatever they are - chat to friend, cup of tea in the garden/park bench, 15 minutes yoga/meditation break..

I have ADHD and prone to migraines and just got a new medication from the GP.

I also use ANC earbuds - highly recommend these.