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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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My kids are making me ill

121 replies

Haggistech · 27/08/2020 20:51

Hello, not a mum but hope that is ok

So lets start with I am currently taking Sertraline for Depression and Anxiety

My kids just seem to want to wind me up constantly., i am sure they go out of there way to annoy me and wind me up

I often find myself with my head in my hands actually feeling ill and on the verge of tears

My wife says just to switch off but i cant

I feel like they are actually going to push me over the edge

OP posts:
Feelingconfused2020 · 27/08/2020 23:19

I'm on 200 mg sertraline. It took me about a month of being on that dose to feel like I do now. I would say the main side effect for me is a kind of dull blurry kind of feeling like I'm a bit numb but I don't feel the pain anymore and it's so worth it for that.

If you have noticed some improvement then maybe push for a higher dose.

Mental illness is totally awful. Just remember it's an illness and just like cancer or a lung condition it's happened to you by chance/accident/bad luck and is not anyone's fault, including you.

lakesidesummer · 27/08/2020 23:20

Maybe it's just my dc that lose their stuff all the time and then are super vague about where they have put it then 🤣 @Vodkacranberryplease

ithinkiveseenthisfilmbefore · 27/08/2020 23:23

I'm going to ask: Were you working longer/different hours when your now-grown children were these ages and leaving their mother to do most of the heavy lifting at home?

Because what you describe is just normal little kid behaviour. 7 and 3, especially 3, are hard work. And tiring. And you're an older parent this time around, and perhaps spending the kind of time with them you didn't actually spend with the grown up two?

They're not making you ill. You appear to have some MH concerns, but that's not on them. But to continue to be there for them, you're going to need more support. Please push your GP for more help if you need it.

Feelingconfused2020 · 27/08/2020 23:23

Maybe it's just my dc that lose their stuff all the time and then are super vague about where they have put it then 🤣 @Vodkacranberryplease**

I spent 20 minutes this morning looking for a fucking McDonald's happy meal toy my DD had "safely" stored in a random.bag.

We once lost my daughter's prescription glasses for a week and found them in the money tray of the toy till that no-one plays with anymore.

So no it really isn't just you!!

CheshireChat · 27/08/2020 23:24

I think the things that stood out most is that you started ADs for "anger and stress" and it sounds like you blame your children for winding you up and then describe perfectly normal kid behaviour.

Whilst you're ill and depression is particularly crap you need to minimise the impact it's having on them and please don't just assume that they don't realise. Perhaps have an honest chat with your partner and decide how you'll manage for now.

ilovesooty · 27/08/2020 23:26

I just wanted to say that I'm sorry you have lost people you were close to. It sounds as though you had a very warm and loving relationship with your grandparents. I hope things get better for you soon.

Vodkacranberryplease · 27/08/2020 23:41

@lakesidesummer

Maybe it's just my dc that lose their stuff all the time and then are super vague about where they have put it then 🤣 *@Vodkacranberryplease*
Ah you see that's the thing about not doing all that day to day. You have absolutely no real idea about the losing stuff. Although now you mention it I have heard tales of such behaviour!

I totally believe that they put stuff in random places and forget it though. Children are insane.

And I'm remembering now the full scale search for my nieces blue peter badge. She was distraught. I went through her room with her and found it down the back of her desk. Eventually. I got massive brownie points and 'favourite auntie forever' status for that one.

Whereas it's just expected of mums! Grin

Jimineycricket · 28/08/2020 00:33

@Royalbloo

Sorry you're going through this but remove yourself from the house if you can't cope with children being, well, children.
Christ that’s harsh. I love my 2 to bits but they push their luck and it’s tough. The OP needs support and sympathy not this! Comments like this will make things worse. The op is likely to be depressed and upset about this. If the op had cancer and was struggling with the kids would you say the same? Or is mental health not worth taking seriously? sorry but comments like this infuriate me. Shows how far we have to go in terms of understanding mental health sufferers
Iggly · 28/08/2020 08:04

OP, make sure you carve out some time to look after yourself with exercise, try and cut down any alcohol (it’s a massive depressant!), and do things that take your mind off things.

Also, I would recommend a couple of parenting books - these helped me even though I do fail many times to do as they suggest. I liked Calm Parents, Happy Kids and The Book Your Parents wish they’d read. It just helped me with my sense of perspective.

Also, finally, if things get tough, sometimes I pretend that the kids are someone else’s kids or someone is watching me parent - I have more patience then. (This is when things get tough).

Royalbloo · 28/08/2020 08:30

Jimineycricket you have to be well enough to parent...and then do something positive if you're not. The OP has messaged to thank me for my honesty. I'm not apportioning blame here but we need to be mentally well to be good parents imo.

Royalbloo · 28/08/2020 08:33

I've certainly had days when I couldn't do it and needed space for myself to come back and carry on - there's no shame in that.

spoons123 · 28/08/2020 08:42

I'm a bit late to the discussion but I wanted to congratulate you, OP, on admitting you're finding family life challenging.

It's really, really difficult bringing up kids - at least you are acknowledging that you feel tearful and stressed rather than yelling at everyone and smashing the place up.

I hope you follow some of the other posters' advice and take a break, get some fresh air or talk to someone about your feelings.

Wishing you luck!

squiglet111 · 28/08/2020 09:17

@Haggistech it sounds like your kids just being kids. You didn't say if you ask them not to do things like jump on you, hide things etc? Sounds like your kids are playing with you. If you aren't happy with something they do then it's ok asking them not to do these things. I.e. 7yo please don't jump on daddy's back because it hurts. If they want to engage you in games when you don't want to play, it's ok it so, no 3yo, it's bedtime. Time to sleep.

I understand where you are coming from op. Sometimes you just want to chill and your kid wants something from you that does internally piss you off. Example when my kids wake super early and wake me up to get them breakfast or put the TV on or make them a drink! Then the cat wants feeding...it does feel like it's too much sometimes! I think every parent has that moment when they just want some time to themselves or their kids are pissing them off for just being kids. Maybe these small things have just got to you. I can't really offer advice as your kids don't sound bad. But maybe if they do something you don't like, just ask them no to do it.

Hope you feel better soon op

HM1984 · 28/08/2020 09:27

My kids are exactly the same. I have a 4 and 7 year old, the 4 year old is constantly on the wind up. Copying me, his sister and father in a winey voice, hitting, spitting, biting - you name it, he probably does it. With the 7 yeat old - the tantrums can be pretty full on.

Lockdown hasn't been kind to many of us, especially the kids not in their usual routines. But I put their bad behaviour down to attention seeking. If the 4 year old starts playing up (it grows throughout the day so we can tell!) We do some 1 2 1 time. Something he can control but an activity together - puzzle, lego building playing with cars where he directs me to go. Doesn't have to be long just long enough to get him engaged and usually he will continue the play alone. If I can see he is lazy, ill read a book to calm him down. Its like he wakes up so energised and he needs an outlet to use it all.

I'll do the same with my daughter too, I think my son gets a little competitive and they end up playing off each other and snitching on silly things (mummy mummy, X didn't clean up her room, X didn't put his toys away ummmmm and then it turns to WW3!). Drives me insane!!!

Obviously we discipline if its too much - time outs and removing tablets/TV/console privileges. Consistency is key here and you are your partner need to follow through on any punishments if they cross the line.

I'm just giving you my experience of my kids, I get it is super stressful at times but school does start next week and I guess that is my saving grace. I have suffered quite badly with my own mental health and been seeing a counsellor for 3 years. If you feel you can't talk to anyone around you, the NHS offer counselling (at the moment its telephone based and the waiting list is long) but if you can afford it I would recommend it. It does help take the burden off and you can talk as openly and honestly as your heart wants with no judgement or interruptions. I now seen things in a completely different way from when i first started, although I still have my down days and drop in when I feel I just need to talk to someone.

In addition, it is so important for our own mental health to have some space sometimes. Would you be able to have a day or 2 a month where you just do whatever you want that makes you happy? I like being by the coast, so I go down with my family and sometimes alone when I know its not going to be a big disruption to my husbands day by leaving him with my kids. I havent done it in a while because of lockdown but I intend to go in a couple of weeks when they are in school. I'll just sit in a cafe opposite the sea and watch the world go by (it is effort as I live 2 hours away from the nearest coastline!)

I also recommend exercise - it is so good for not only physical but also mental health. Going for a walk or run outdoor with the fresh air, or a bike ride can do wonders. To escape the madness of the house for an hour or so.

I hope you start to feel better soon, but just know you're not alone. Kids do things that wind us up, i know personally I was a nightmare as a child! Feel

Haggistech · 28/08/2020 18:27

Well i feel a bit better today, yesterday was a bad day

I did my normal work shift 7 - 3 and then i went out at 3 and washed, polished and waxed the car. 3 hours to myself with just me, some nice smelling car stuff and Music in my ears

OP posts:
Advicewouldbeappreciated · 28/08/2020 18:32

Your children are seeking attention from their father because that ia what they need.
If this were a mother I would advise having time to herself and then a designated time to play with and give undivided attention to the children.
It is not their fault you are depressed.
I am concerned this plays out through anger. What strategies do you have in place to deal with this?
If you are getting shouty and angry you need a safety plan so as not to cause harm. Also you need more help than a standard ssri. Go back go the GP.

Emeeno1 · 28/08/2020 18:42

Anxiety is shit. It makes you think all sorts of things which are deeply unhelpful. It is great to hear about the car, my husband would be jealous.

tickertyboo · 28/08/2020 20:53

Haggistech - that's good to hear. It sounds as if you know how to switch off from things. Just remember that the difficult days will only make you stronger. You will get through this. I wish you and your family all the best for the future.

Haggistech · 28/08/2020 21:09

@Emeeno1

Anxiety is shit. It makes you think all sorts of things which are deeply unhelpful. It is great to hear about the car, my husband would be jealous.
Not at any point did i say i got angry or shouty
OP posts:
Haggistech · 28/08/2020 21:10

argh replied to wrong post lol sorry

was to @Advicewouldbeappreciated

OP posts:
Jouleigh · 28/08/2020 21:26

@Haggistech

Hello, not a mum but hope that is ok

So lets start with I am currently taking Sertraline for Depression and Anxiety

My kids just seem to want to wind me up constantly., i am sure they go out of there way to annoy me and wind me up

I often find myself with my head in my hands actually feeling ill and on the verge of tears

My wife says just to switch off but i cant

I feel like they are actually going to push me over the edge

Hey OP,

You being here and asking for help is perfectly ok and what this site is for.

Mumsnet is just an unfortunate title. It's for parents by parents. So I'm sorry you are getting a hard time.

You say you have older children, times were different then and you were younger. What is it that's more different or difficult this time?

It sounds like you and your partner parent differently, have you spoken to her about it? What does she suggest?

Getting you medication increased if it isn't working isn't a bad thing. It's there to help you cope. Once you are then you can discuss with your doctor how to reduce it.

I'm sure you know from your older kids that your children are only young once. They love you, you are their dad. As they get older you don't want their memories to only be good about mum and from their point of view, that you were cows and grouchy.

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