I’ve been struggling with moderate anxiety on and off since my DS was born four years ago. It flared up again early this year, as I was diagnosed with quite a serious health issue. The treatment was successful and I have to go for follow ups for the next few years to make sure the problem doesn’t return, so it’s a pretty positive outcome but it really set off my anxiety. Feeling constantly anxious for 6 months + has taken its toll on my mood. For the first time in my life, I think I may at risk of my low mood developing into clinical depression.
For background, I am a single parent and DS father has been very flakey. He has been back in DS’s life consistently for around a year and a half now. He pays a reasonable amount of maintenance, and sees him most days, which has been a huge weight off my shoulders. But he does not ever have him for extended periods of time - he is living in overcrowded accommodation with people I don’t know, so I wouldn’t feel comfortable with DS visiting there anyway. The time he spends with DS is going to the park for a couple of hours, doing the bath and bed routine etc.
With my recent anxiety/low mood, my DM has suggested DS to stay over once a week.
This would be an absolute dream for me. In the four years since he has been born, I have not had any longer than 6-8 hours away from him. Even when I have spent time with friends or gone out, I have to watch the clock to make sure I’m back on time, so as lovely as that time is, I never feel like I can truly relax. I love him dearly, and enjoy our time together and being a parent, but I feel so burnt out.
That being said, I don’t want to feel like I’m taking advantage of DM offering. They have a great relationship and are close, and see each other weekly anyway, but we have never done any overnight arrangements before.
I would really appreciate any views on this - AIBU to take DM up on this offer? 