to wonder how many mums take "something" to help them through the day?

[snuffleton]

By "something" I mean either legal or illegal drugs, herbal supplements, alcohol, basically anything that makes life easier and more bareable.

I ask because a in the last few weeks I have had two seperate friends admit that they take things to help them "survive" as one elloquently put it. One is taking something called Kratom and another said she is taking a herbal supplement called Rhodiolea or something like that. It made me curious as to whether this is common/normal?

[Catmint]

Gave up caffeine a few months ago because it was affecting my voice. That was easier than I thought it would be.

I do like chocolate, but not everyday.

Regretfully I am pretty sure I drink too much. Well I know I do but I am not ready to tackle it, yet.

Trinityrhino, I just want to say how much I admire you staying sober. Xx

[raisah]

Chocolate & coffee are my drugs of choice!

[FunnysInLaJardin]

Patos yy to being sold parenthood as a field of daises whereas it is fairly unrelenting hard work.

I recently read on the MIND website that having a baby was one of the most stressful life events. Up there with divorce, bereavement and moving house. It was a revelation to me. That no one has ever acknowledged this to me before. I am actually a bit that the fact that you have a baby is not all lovely squishy babies and fulfilling yourself with breast feeding and whatnot, but actually for a lot of parents a massive WHAT THE FUCK!

You don't get any clue about this until after the event!

[kinkyfuckery]

I take a combination of painkillers to get me through the day, and happen to be a mum.

I don't take them because of my children, though. I wish they helped

[Notcontent]

I probably would take legal stuff to help with depression and anxiety, but I am scared of side effects so manage with coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the evening!
Mumsnet is also very soothing, although highly addictive...

[YoniWheretheSunDontShine]

I am rocking out with La Queen on the old lavender. It sounds silly but walking through my garden picking a sprig of lavender, or lemon balm mint or any of the 'erbs, helps me through the day.

In winter I spray a winter pine oil and that lifts my mood too.

[AllegraLilac]

I take a lot of pro plus. Is this what you mean op?

[LeGavrOrf]

Leq I am not surprised you were exhausted, you had both your girls within a year didn't you? God knows how anyone copes with two babies so close together.

I exist on double espressos and diet coke. I don't even think caffeine has any effect on me anymore.

Just been prescribed AD's again (depression and anxiety) and until they kick in the dr has given me some Valium. Which has amazed me because I thought they were something from the 50s which were not given out anymore.

I feel rather ashamed to have been prescribed Valium fgs. Like I am a great big fat failure of a woman.

[mumofweeboys]

I was weak pre children and got through uni ex weeks with pro plus and nytol.

Since my 2nd dc I dont really notice the tiredness as lomg as I get about 5hrs sleep.

Its a coffee/diet coke that I take as a pick me up but mainly its biscuits/choc/cake

Do know single mums that take sleeping pills which would terrify me.

[MeerkatMerkin]

I take anti-depressants. Have been known to have the occasional bottle of beer with a book on a sunny afternoon in the garden while DS is napping but this is rare and I wouldn't get over the limit/steaming.

[kali110]

Quiet time is very good herbal remedy. It has valerian root in. I take them along with ads as i found they reslly do work. Help to calm me down. Never found kalms or rescue remedy very helpfull

[May09Bump]

iced coffee for me, and occasionally a wine / beer in late evening if I can't switch off from the unending things to do.

[JeanPaget]

I'm not really sure taking herbal supplements is comparable to developing a drink or drugs habit!

[poppingin1]

Chamomile tea.

[MooseBeTimeForSpring]

Haribo

[IsThatTrue]

I don't drink tea/coffee/energy drinks. I quit smoking 2.5 yrs ago. I've recently stopped eating endless sugary stuff.

What gets me through the day? Well I S.A.D. So this weather makes me feel a million times better, but anytime of year. A decent diet (not tons of sugary crap), exercise at least 3 times a week. Getting out at least twice a day (usually school run but holidays can be a bugger as I WAH). Really help me. I do occasionally drink a glass or two of wine in the evening but I would say its very rarely because of some need, I just love the taste of chilled white wine, especially on a sunny summers evening. I do take vitamins including vit D as that is what I lack.

I would be surprised if people I knew regularly self medicated tbh. (ADs are different if prescribed, absolutely no shame in needing and getting the appropriate help, I've been on ADs before)