To ask what you do (that you enjoy) that takes your mind off of things?

[JustCuriousToday]

Hi all,

Posting here for traffic really and a bit to sort of talk about my worries and hope I can find something to do to just help me relax:

It's been a shit year, hasn't it? But even without the pandemic it's not been easy I'm 38 weeks pregnant and my baby boy will be born in 10 days via ElCS which is meant to be an exciting time but honestly I feel like giving up, I've had a hard pregnancy I've suffered with HG for most of it, had multiple of hospital stays etc so that's hasn't been fun.

A few months ago my maternal grandma died (not covid) so I've been trying my best to support my mother whilst battling HG and hospital visits.

The last month has been the worse, honestly one thing after another first my other grandma said she'd help out with the baby after the elcs which helped take some of the pressure off but then the poor thing slipped in the road in town and broke her shoulder and her hand and is in recovery at the moment and will be out of action for at least six weeks, I don't mind she can't help with the baby now but I just feel so bad that she hurt herself and I can't even help as I'm heavily pregnant so after everything she's done for me when it's time to help her I physically can't (she has broken her right hand so literally cannot do anything like toilet etc but she does have other family members and careers helping) :( then my husband got covid, he was out of action for a week and didn't get paid from work (he's not been there long so fair enough) which kinda screwed our budget a little bit and now my dad is in hospital with shortness of breath which we don't know yet whether it's covid related, another physical issue or a mental health issue as unfortunately lockdown has really affected him (as it has others) he's been having nightmares, panic attacks the lot so now I'm really worried about him and what's going to happen (he's an older gentleman in his 70s) and I just feel like coming apart. Also I don't even know if they've done it yet as I can't watch the news but if the gov take away support bubbles then DH will need to take more unpaid time off work to help with baby while I recover which poses some financial issues.

I just can't turn my brain off and I feel like I'm worrying about all these different things at once, I'm still being sick, I think I've slept about 5 hours this week and I'm just feeling horrible - is there anything in particular people like to do that just helps them feel normal again? Sadly a gin is out of the question - side note please don't think I'm doing a "woe is me" post, I know it's been a horrible year for everyone, I just needed somewhere to let off steam and some suggestions on how to relax before baby comes as I don't think all this stress is good for baby either :(

It sounds like you're feeling very anxious which is totally understandable after the year you've had.

One thing I always do on a daily basis is get out for a walk and some fresh air, which is something you can do once the baby is here and you've recovered. However, I think you also need to consult your doctor about the way you've been feeling and consider some medication. Having a baby will bring its own emotional ups and downs and the last thing you need is PND on top of everything else, so it's worth speaking to your doctor soon so you can try and get on top of it.

Do you have any friends close by that can help you out? I believe you can have a support bubble with a baby under one. It would be worth writing some lists of anything you've got left to get in order to be prepared for when baby arrives (you may have this already) but I find when things are racing round my head it helps to write things down, it makes me feel like I have some control. Have you got an online shopping slot?

Gosh you’re having the absolute worst time, it’s so easy to get stressed when everything seems to be going wrong. I think you have to allow yourself to admit you are stressed as well and accept that it’s normal at this time.

It’s not so much a luxury, but making a list in the morning helps me. I make a list of everything I have to do and it’s like dumping the contents of my brain out, it de-stresses me. Maybe you could help your grandma in non physical ways, such as sending her nice food or something she would like? And then make some time for yourself at night, reading a book or watching telly with a cup of tea/nice takeaway - you need your rest now.

Also agree with getting out each day weather allowing and trying to get some fresh air and sun.

Totally agree with pps.
Getting out for a short walk. I like to walk in the woods when I'm feeling overwhelmed, etc. For some reason seeing nature makes me realise that Life is still going on and that I am part of it. That may not make any sense to you but it refreshes me.

Also, writing it down. I make a list of what is bothering me. I then attach bullet points as to expand on what I can do about it. For example, if I am stressed about meal planning I can start googling interesting recipes and get the ingredients. For some things, I can do absolutely nothing about it. It is out of my hands,so that makes me feel less useless.

You have had a tough time so am sending you love and strength. Also, try to think positively- it won't always be like this. In 3 months time, things should be looking up...and if not, at least the weather will be better !

Take care, love. Look after yourself first and foremost xx