Is this a normal feeling?

7 replies

Wooblewooble · 30/10/2018 08:05

Didn't know where to post this sorry and have name changed but I am a regular.

I feel like a coiled spring or something, like the tiniest thing is going to be too much and push me over the edge. I'm a single mum to a 22 month old, dad not involved. It's been a hard year for several reasons but up until this last week I've been feeling loads better (mentally), came off my ADs for the first time in 6 years in June for example.

I have very little in the way of practical support and since July I have been nothing but ill. I was treated for a sinus infection for headaches (which they now don't think was a sinus infection) then I had a bad cold for two weeks an ear infection for two weeks then I was hospitalised with pneumonia at the very end of August. I've since had another cold and I'm not sure I'm not getting plurasy or pneumonia again because my chest is killing again.

I'm so tired from being ill, tired because I'm a mum to a toddler and trying to work and run a house. My toddler has gone from sleeping brilliantly to waking up 3 or 4 times a night recently too.

I'm sitting here and I don't know what's wrong I just feel so tense, i keep having to give myself 5 mins away from toddler so I don't snap at her which makes me feel shit. I really shouted at her in the night too . I keep remembering things I need to do and I need to go the supermarket today but the thought is making me want to cry. I have no energy and it's making a shit mum.

I've been the GP who said it's just a virus causing everything and I need to get on with it and it will pass .
What am I meant to do? What do you do when you don't have energy to look after yourself let alone someone else? My mum keeps saying it's my mental health again but I don't think it is. Am I deluding myself? I just feel like I'm chasing my tail.

Dont know really what I'm expecting but any advice on how to manage the day to day when I feel shit would be great. Sorry for the ramble.

OP posts:

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 30/10/2018 08:18

Sorry things are so hard OP, it does sound really tough for you. As I was reading your post I did think it sounds like you could do with going back on AD tbh so I agree with your mum there.

Do you get any time off, do you have any support? It's hard enough being a parent but when you're on your own I can imagine it feels even worse.

I would go back to your GP for a chat

Raydan · 30/10/2018 08:26

Your situation would make anyone feel stressed and down, regardless of any existing mental health problems. You're exhausted and that can cause anxiety and stress. As someone vulnerable to MH problems you need to try to nip it in the bud:
Go back to your GP
Ask your mum to mind DC at the weekend and take to the bed for a few hours
Do something nice for yourself
Get some fresh air and sunshine, maybe on your lunch break
Sort out the sleep (crying it out isn't always the worst thing in the world, it can be surprisingly quick and you need sleep asap)

Basically my prescription is recognise your at risk of this becoming a bigger MH issue and self care asap alongside help from your doctor. Sorry you've had such a tough time and are feeling so upset. Xxx

Raydan · 30/10/2018 08:29

And if you can, let the housework slide and rest instead

CandyCreeper · 30/10/2018 08:32

can your mums/ other family members help you out with your dd?

Singlenotsingle · 30/10/2018 08:34

Your mum could be a bit more help couldn't she? Rather than just dismissing it as your MH? No wonder you're tired and snappy if you're constantly ill!

joliejoleen · 30/10/2018 08:42

Oh,OP, I really do feel your pain. I have two DC, 11 and 3, work full time, single parent, no support from anyone - useless ex, family abroad. Feel like I'm drowning all the time. I always have headaches, backaches and am constantly on edge. I have a meeting with my boss to talk about reducing my working hours...that of course means I'm going to have to claim more in benefits, which is not ideal, but it's either this or I die.
Can you reduce your working hours? And claim benefits? Just for a while?

Sassielassie · 30/10/2018 09:22

Go back to docs. Tell them how you feel. Ask if you should go back on meds even for short term until your body has recovered from fighting off all the viruses you have been dealing with. Also ask for bloods to be run again. If you have been constantly fighting one virus after another it is possible that your system has started to deplete and some of your levels are off which can make you feel totally out of whack and not know why. This happened to me. One virus after another for 5 months left me with v low potassium, sodium calcium and sodium levels and ended up with dangerous low white blood cell count but i had kept marching on coz i had been ill for so long i didnt realise i was ill , if u get what i mean, & ended up in hospital much to my suprise. The fact that you feel odd is your body trying to tell you something. Listen to your own body and dont ignore it and try to keep going. Reach out to any support you have even if its an hour a week you need a break. Good luck

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