Tonight I went to speak to my youngest child and....

[mineofuselessinformation]

and I had the sudden urge that I should put on a mask.
I'm not a dramatic person, but it actually happened and I'm really struggling with it.
My job involves wearing a mask and avoiding getting near to other people, so I'm very guarded about what I do.
But this isn't right is it?
I'm very aware of the risks involved with contact with other people, but this has brought me up short, so to speak.
I'm very lucky in that when I told DC about it (old enough to understand, thank goodness), they held me while I cried.
I still have to go to work, and I honestly don't know where I go from here.

I’ve answered my own phone on evenings and weekends saying hello “name of company” how can I help - a million time’s ! By mistake - after being on autopilot all week

It happens - the mask thing is the same it’s just a habit ! I forget to even take my mask off now when I’m walking home from the shops or whatever - just because I’m used to it.

Maybe you were a bit knackered, that can make us have random thoughts.

I'm very lucky in that when I told DC about it (old enough to understand, thank goodness), they held me while I cried.

This is so far from right OP. You children shouldn't be doing that. Please don't do that, it's very bad for children to have to be an adult's crutch.

Seek help from your GP tomorrow, make an emergency appointment. They will speak to you over the phone and prescribe evideence-based treatment.

I agree with PP's that it could've been on autopilot too, if you do it all the time at work. It all point to you being exhausted and stressed and needing support from adults who can deal with those demands more effectively.

I disagree with those saying it's ok to expect children to try and emotionally support adults. Sometimes it might be unavoidable but it should be avoided if possible at all costs and I think anyone should seek professional help at that point to reduce the likelihood/frequency of it happening.

“Old enough to understand” could be anywhere from 6- adult.

don't think its a biggie tbh. Keyworker here. I Spend all day in a mask. Keeping 2 meters away. Not touching my face. Being aware of what door handles I am touching. When I Come home, my brain takes a second stop autopilot mode. I obviously cuddles the kids but I do worry i am potentially giving it to them because no social distancing and no ppe. Its scarey timed and unnormal behaviors are become normal.....sadly. its hard to find a balance. We all need human contact. We all don't want to pass this around. I Understand why u wanted a mask understand why you were sad. Dont dwell. Normal response to an abnormal situation. Let it go now.

Interestedwoman..... Read the op updates. It was her adult daughter

I think my dad could get very ill if he caught covid, when me or my sister visit we wear masks inside his house or if we're in the car with him and if we go on a walk we keep a bit of a distance. None us of us have cried about it.

This is what media brainwashing does. I hope you feel better now op [flower]

Oh dear wrong thread! I’ll report it.

I know exactly how you feel op, unfortunately some pp seem to lack empathy. So what if your dc had been younger, a teen for example it's a life lesson that things are not always rosy and we all need support at times. Hopefully things will improve for us all soon.

@Interestedwoman

Maybe you were a bit knackered, that can make us have random thoughts.

I'm very lucky in that when I told DC about it (old enough to understand, thank goodness), they held me while I cried.

This is so far from right OP. You children shouldn't be doing that. Please don't do that, it's very bad for children to have to be an adult's crutch.

Seek help from your GP tomorrow, make an emergency appointment. They will speak to you over the phone and prescribe evideence-based treatment.

The op has explained that her child is an adult.

The op has explained that her child is an adult.

I think we both know that’s not going to stop anyone commenting without RTFT.

How old is your adult child OP? It would have been useful to have that in your initial post.

I hope you are feeling better now anyway

If it helps OP I have been working long days this week and a knackered single parent. I had a meeting with a team of 16 people and was running late. As I was about to go in to the meeting I realised I didn’t have a face mask and panicked.

It was a zoom meeting. I have not been in the office since March.

OP I think you need to get some professional help.
We are all worried and stressed out right now but not enough to cry over wearing a mask.

The virus isn’t causing me too much stress but my increased workload really is - do you think there are other things worrying you/stressing you out like increased workload, relationship issues etc that are adding to your anxieties?

Sounds like you’re having a hard time OP. The situation is horrible. Try to be gentle with yourself. Is there any professional support you can access?

Can you take some time off? You're obviously struggling to leave work at the door on your way out.

Take care, lots of people are having a hard time and many usually get sad through winter without COVID.

For anyone coming to bash OP for using her "child" as a crutch - the DC is an adult

OP I think you have had some very insensitive comments, even for AIBU.

You sound worn out and at breaking point. Hopefully you can find some way to relax and renew your strength.

Threads like this really put me off mumsnet. They ooze with contempt and it does not feel like a pleasant place to be at all.

OP, I get it. It’s a horrid thought, to be wary of your own family subconsciously. Those that say it’s not a big deal are being a bit too “stiff upper lip” or naive.

How lovely though that your adult child was able to comfort you while you processed those feelings. Perhaps shift your focus to that, what a lovely DC you have raised.

Jeez its ok to cry in front of kids. Its a normal emotion.
As long as theyre not continually mothering you then its no big deal. Give her a,break fgs. We are only human

Oh good grief OP - I've just had a weep 'cos I've read we're going to have an extra bank holiday in 2022 for the queens platinum jubilee. Tough times...

@mineofuselessinformation
I think it’s still ok that you cried, do we not show our children emotion now. I remember my mum crying when our dog died and I cried too. It’s all called having a heart. Ive cried in front of my three year old when my dog was sick, not that she cared lol.
From the replies in this and other posts I realise why people are simply not so nice anymore. It’s all dog eat dog mentality, and me, me, me - I’m shocked.
My mum refers to me as her daughter rather than her child, but it doesn’t really matter as you answered it anyway.
It’s a shame you feel you can’t take a break without offloading to others, but as long as you are ok that’s all that matters. It’s good to let it out sometimes. Take care OP

@Interestedwoman

Maybe you were a bit knackered, that can make us have random thoughts.

I'm very lucky in that when I told DC about it (old enough to understand, thank goodness), they held me while I cried.

This is so far from right OP. You children shouldn't be doing that. Please don't do that, it's very bad for children to have to be an adult's crutch.

Seek help from your GP tomorrow, make an emergency appointment. They will speak to you over the phone and prescribe evideence-based treatment.

Rtft Also you’re wrong.

[quote mineofuselessinformation]@pastabest, I've already apologised if my posts were misleading, and asked how others would refer to their dc if they couldn't refer to them as their children. I also said they were old enough to understand in my OP.
What else would you have me do?[/quote]
My adult DC