Does everyone have times like this or am I depressed?

[Gettinghangry]

I seem to go through periods of feeling really happy, content, grateful, full of love for dh and the dc.

But then I go into periods of feeling really fed up, resentful, bored of everything. For example I can't even be bothered to research and book a family holiday. I used to get really excited about going off exploring on a little adventure, but these days it all feels so meh, so what's the point.

Inevitably whatever we do the dc will moan, squabble, dh won't think of any good ideas. Yes we will have some nice times but mixed in will a load of hard work and stress, I can't go to anywhere really different and once in a lifetime, so feel as though I'm trying to please everyone but end up pleasing no one.

I've got so much to be thankful for and to be happy about, I had a lovely day with my dc yesterday but just feel quite glum today.

I also have no interest in going away anymore. We used to go away 3 or 4 times a year.
If you find the answer please let me know.

Well, I think it's normal to feel a variation this sometimes? It's horrible, in my case it's linked to my hormones so I can look at the calendar and realise what is contributing to a low phase. Could that be playing into how you are feeling?

But for me it would be a bad sign to lose interest in things I usually do enjoy doing or planning for any length of time?

I go through stages of feeling like this quite frequently. I think it is mild depression. I always think that if it lasts less that two weeks it’s ok and I normally get myself out of it. A couple of times it’s lasted for months and I’ve needed help.

I hear you, OP. I’m putting my sense of “meh” down to having a really rotten cold (not Covid) and being peri-menopausal.

Everything requires too much energy and effort. I booked a holiday for the summer a while ago. I wouldn’t have the interest to book one now.

I would keep an eye on how long this feeling is going on for. If there seems to be no let up in feeling down then it must be worth a doctor’s visit.

I could have written this post! Sorting out a holiday just feels like adding to the mental load, rather than a fun break to look forward to. My brain feels at capacity.

Do you think it's a sign of overwhelm?

I feel less resilient thanks to Covid.

It could be that you just are burnt out! There is a big difference organising trips for yourself and husband than a family holiday. Much more pressure I find. If you are trying to keep things ticking over at work and home it turns into an extra thing on the never ending chore list rather than a nice thing sometimes!!!

I think that's family life. Juggling work, dc, mental load, housework, maintaining friendships and family relationships....booking a holiday can feel like a chore!
I'm going away next week and as lovely as it'll be I'm already thinking about the faff of packing, settling the dc in to unfamiliar beds, the tonne of washing when we get back.
First World problems!

I have one toddler and honestly feel like I’d rather stay home than plan an appropriate holiday, worry about settling them to sleep, what they’re going to eat, how we’ll manage the naps, the nightmare journey there and back. I’m exhausted just thinking about it.

At least at home we have a routine that generally works okay and I do get some (albeit not a lot) down time. When you go on holiday all that is thrown up in the air.