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Struggling with stress, loneliness and work pressure as a single parent

6 replies

90sbaby123 · 23/06/2026 08:29

In not coping with life atm.

My job is so stressful and management are shocking. Just keep putting more and more work on me but dont actually want to manage or solve problems.
My house looks like a bombs gone off in it.
My mood is low and I dont really want to be around anyone.
Im a single parent but I do have my son 50/50 which again gets to me and I hate not having him half the time and I feel so lonely.
I just feel like my life is really awful atm.
Don't really have family to turn to, they aren't the best and ive had so much counselling because of them.

Today Ive taken the day off but I keep getting these really bad headaches and my eye is twitching. I think through stress. I need to work though otherwise how am I going to survive.

Anyone else been in the same position? How did you make life better?

OP posts:
Journey1234 · 23/06/2026 09:47

Hello, I’m really sorry to hear you’re having such a difficult time at the moment.
When everything feels overwhelming, it’s easy to look at all the problems at once and forget that there are still good things around us too.
The biggest thing I’d say right now is self-care and being kind to yourself. You’re carrying a lot, and it sounds exhausting.
One thing that always helps me when I’m overwhelmed is putting on a podcast, YouTube video or some music and doing a reset of the house. Not to make it perfect, just to make it feel calmer. Start small: take some bags upstairs and sort things into throw away, charity, and keep. Even one room or one corner can make your mind feel clearer.
Tonight, try to do something gentle for yourself. Light a candle, have a bath or shower, and take a moment to reflect. Maybe write down a few things you’re grateful for or things that are still going well, however small.
I also do 50/50 with my son and I know how lonely it can feel when they’re not with you. What helps me is trying to use that time for myself, so that when my son is back everything revolves around him again and I can enjoy both parts of life.
If it’s possible, maybe book something just for you, a hair appointment, a facial, a massage, or even something simple that feels like a treat.
For today, make sure you’re looking after the basics too. Take something for your headache if you can, drink plenty of water, eat properly, and try to stick to a bedtime routine. If you have a garden or somewhere outside nearby, even a bit of fresh air or planting something can help.
I’m a Christian and I personally enjoy listening to Joyce Meyer on YouTube. You absolutely don’t have to be Christian to take something positive from it, but I find it encouraging.
Try to focus on what you can control and be gentle with yourself about the things you can’t. And with work, do what you can, but don’t struggle in silence. If things feel unfair or unmanageable, speak up and ask for support.
You don’t have to fix everything at once ❤️

90sbaby123 · 23/06/2026 12:08

Journey1234 · 23/06/2026 09:47

Hello, I’m really sorry to hear you’re having such a difficult time at the moment.
When everything feels overwhelming, it’s easy to look at all the problems at once and forget that there are still good things around us too.
The biggest thing I’d say right now is self-care and being kind to yourself. You’re carrying a lot, and it sounds exhausting.
One thing that always helps me when I’m overwhelmed is putting on a podcast, YouTube video or some music and doing a reset of the house. Not to make it perfect, just to make it feel calmer. Start small: take some bags upstairs and sort things into throw away, charity, and keep. Even one room or one corner can make your mind feel clearer.
Tonight, try to do something gentle for yourself. Light a candle, have a bath or shower, and take a moment to reflect. Maybe write down a few things you’re grateful for or things that are still going well, however small.
I also do 50/50 with my son and I know how lonely it can feel when they’re not with you. What helps me is trying to use that time for myself, so that when my son is back everything revolves around him again and I can enjoy both parts of life.
If it’s possible, maybe book something just for you, a hair appointment, a facial, a massage, or even something simple that feels like a treat.
For today, make sure you’re looking after the basics too. Take something for your headache if you can, drink plenty of water, eat properly, and try to stick to a bedtime routine. If you have a garden or somewhere outside nearby, even a bit of fresh air or planting something can help.
I’m a Christian and I personally enjoy listening to Joyce Meyer on YouTube. You absolutely don’t have to be Christian to take something positive from it, but I find it encouraging.
Try to focus on what you can control and be gentle with yourself about the things you can’t. And with work, do what you can, but don’t struggle in silence. If things feel unfair or unmanageable, speak up and ask for support.
You don’t have to fix everything at once ❤️

Thank you for your kind post.
I have stuff sorted into piles i just need find the motivation to sell or give to charity.
Another thing I forgot to mention is im in £4k worth of debt so this is another thing im struggling with. Im trying my hardest to budget.
Ive told my manager I cant do all my work and I can do overtime. She said no.
Im now at the doctors, i do find it hard admitting that im not ok. Ill try though.

OP posts:
90sbaby123 · 23/06/2026 14:26

I couldnt tell the doctor i was struggling mentally :(

OP posts:
Journey1234 · 23/06/2026 14:47

Hi chick, I’ve been thinking of you today. You’re going to be okay ❤️

I’d really recommend speaking to National Debt-line on 0808 808 4000. They gave me amazing advice and helped me get into a Debt Relief Order. They collected all the information about my debts, and after a year the remaining debt was written off. That option is only available if you don’t own your own home, but I’m sure they’ll be able to talk you through all the options available to you.
I honestly think you’ll feel so much better once you let a professional help and talk everything through it can take such a weight off your mind.

Also, try writing down all the positive things in your life. Sometimes seeing them written down helps you realise how much good you still have around you.

I don’t have family, so I know how hard and lonely things can feel sometimes. But you’re not alone in this, and I’m really proud of you for reaching out ❤️

Journey1234 · 23/06/2026 14:50

I would love to be able to help you. It would be amazing if you lived near or in the North East as I would be there to help you sort things out.

Journey1234 · 23/06/2026 14:53

90sbaby123 · 23/06/2026 14:26

I couldnt tell the doctor i was struggling mentally :(

You couldn’t do it today but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it next week. Be kind to yourself.🌸

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