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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To have cabin fever?

23 replies

UndertheCedartree · 03/01/2020 19:07

Background: I am recovering from a mental breakdown so my mental health is a bit fragile.

I've been at home with my children for most of the school holidays. We had things planned to do pretty much every day except 29th we had a pj day. But since the 1st we have lost any routine. Myself and my DC stayed up for New Years Eve - 7 year old went to sleep about 1am - me and 12 year about 2am. The night before last I struggled to get the 7 year old to sleep til 3am and didn't get to sleep til 4am - it was not as bad but still bad last night - I went to sleep at 3am. Due to this I've been tired and sleeping late as have the DC. We have been at home every day since 1st. I'm sure not being awake in the light is not helping - I feel very despondant and lacking in motivation. The DC are seeing their dad tomorrow so will have to be ready by 11. I'm sure this will help us get back in routine more. I've just had a bath and now my DD is in the bath and then we'll walk up to the shops to get some dinner. Sorry this is incredibly rambling. What do you do to break cabin fever and get back in a better routine? I'm taking my DD to school on Monday and I'm dreading the early start!

OP posts:

vixb1 · 03/01/2020 19:19

I'd set your alarm for school wake up time tomorrow, even if you haven't had much sleep. You then need to get out, be busy for the day, get some fresh air etc. Then have a sensible bedtime tomorrow night. Then you'll have hopefully reset yourself in time for school on Monday.

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 03/01/2020 19:36

Thanks @vixb1

OP posts:

Minky35 · 03/01/2020 19:56

I’m going to start setting my alarm, so it will be at 9am on Saturday, 8am on Sunday so that 7am in Monday is not so much of a shock. We’re currently not waking up into 10/11am after going to bed late. Our body clocks need resetting, but the darkness isn’t helping!

Minky35 · 03/01/2020 19:57

Sorry stupid auto correct making typos, hopefully you understand the gist!

Orangeblossom78 · 03/01/2020 20:04

Oh yes I know! We are the same, going to start early tomorrow or else the school run will be awful next week. Forgetting which day it is also, no routine and darkness...all not good for MH. I am not looking forward to stress of school but find getting stuff ready early like kits etc can help so no panic. But yes 'stir crazy'

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 03/01/2020 21:30

@minky35 - yes exactly! That's a good idea.

OP posts:

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 03/01/2020 21:32

@orangeblossom - I feel much alone knowing others are struggling with it too. I was really beating myself up about it. I got P.E kit washed today and will get uniform ready and bags packed on Sunday.

OP posts:

Sparklynewyear · 03/01/2020 21:35

We've been exactly the same. I generally don't sleep in, 7.30am is a lie in for me, but on New Year's Day we woke up at 11am! Have been going to bed so late.

This morning I got woken up early at 7.30 so going to have an early night and hopefully get back into the routine a bit.

Had lots of plans for getting outside but to be honest we've been in a lot.

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 03/01/2020 22:02

@sparklynewyear - we'd been doing well at getting outside and then the last few days our days have become aimless.

OP posts:

Orangeblossom78 · 03/01/2020 22:02

We are getting up at seven tomorrow as going on a day out maybe for the best

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 03/01/2020 22:13

@orangeblossom - yeah should help and a day out will be good.

I think the other things that have affected my mood is that even though I haven't been drinking a lot I've probably had 1 or 2 Baileys coffees every day and sometimes a glass of wine too as I'm using up the Christmas alcohol. I don't usually drink much as alcohol does have a depressant effect on me. I've also been eating a lot more chocolate and biscuits than usual and other rich food. We got fruit, yogurt and smoothies from the shop to get us back to healthy eating.

OP posts:

DustyMaiden · 03/01/2020 22:17

Op it is only the 3rd today, you speak as though it’s been ages.

ClientListQueen · 03/01/2020 22:31

I haven't left the house since the 27th because I've been ill 😷 and cabin fever here! I also haven't worn anything except pjs

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 03/01/2020 22:35

@dustymaiden - you're right. I do tend to get overwhelmed with things and lose perspective - thanks.

@clientlistqueen - poor you. We've had the norovirus but luckily cleared up just before Christmas and then we've all had a minor cold but it probably has contributed to the lack of energy. Hope you are on the mend soon

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TheSubtleArt · 03/01/2020 22:41

Our household have officially transformed into the slobs this week. 11.30 getting up is u heard of for us and yet that's what's been happening the last three days. I've planned a trip out tomorrow afternoon and on Sunday to help us all get into a routine before the shock of work & school.
I hate lacking purpose in a day but it's also the sort of thing the kids love as they get to mess around in pjs, play games / watch tv and not be nagged at to get moving...
It will be back to the usual juggle and rush soon enough so enjoy it, I say...

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 03/01/2020 22:50

@thesubtleart - yes, you're right. I've suggested to the DC we go out for breakfast on Sunday morning to get us up and going.

OP posts:

InterstellarDrifter · 03/01/2020 22:57

By the time we’d get ourselves together and feel like going out, it was pitch black outside.
Today, I got everyone up and out by midday as I was going a bit crazy.

UnderperformingSeal · 03/01/2020 23:59

Um, this is not actually what "cabin fever" means but what you're describing is pretty normal. For some reason when I'm not at work my day slips round by about four hours. Probably some evolutionary holdover from hibernation, or something. It'll pass.

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 03/01/2020 23:59

@interstellar - that's what we've been finding too! I need light!!

OP posts:

Minky35 · 04/01/2020 09:12

How’s it going undertheCedartree, did you manage to get up a bit earlier today?

Orangeblossom78 · 04/01/2020 10:25

We got up at seven DC out now but feeling like a zombie and need another sleep! How will we cope next week.

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 05/01/2020 13:41

@minky35 - I'm feeling a lot better! Got up at 10.30 yesterday but bed by midnight. Got the DC up at 8.30 today with the promise of taking them for breakfast. I felt really drowsy earlier but my period has just started so that's probably not helped. I'm planning on a bath tonight and try and get in bed by 10 and hopefully read a bit and then get to sleep!

Good luck for tomorrow, everyone!

OP posts:

Orangeblossom78 · 05/01/2020 14:34

I have been rubbish. and stressed. Forgot my eldest's school blazer was at the dry cleaners needing picked up yesterday (got distracted by the huge recycling and rubbish pile / change in recycling day) anyway, now it is Sunday and closed and he has no blazer for tomorrow. he had to either wear the jumper which he hates, or be late for school as it doesn't open till 8.30 tomorrow.

Only just had a shower and a bowl of soup. And this is not due to lack of help. DH had the boys out yesterday all day and today they have gone out also. Hoping things might improve this week.

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