Single parent loneliness intrusive thoughts

[tearsandtiaras]

If you are a single parent and have no family or support how do you cope day to day when you get bad news eg impending homelessness/ relative dying /
Impending empty nest syndrome

After 12 years its easy to get through the negative self talk about dying alone but its the big life bits of bad news that are hard.

For context I have a fab 15 year old DD and great worthwhile rewarding job- not much else.

Can you do something for yourself now your daughter is older? Any hobbies you’d like to take up? They can also be a great way to meet people.

I’m joining my local sports club. I’ve wanted to take up this sport for a while, but honestly it’s also a way to meet people who live near me. I don’t really do anything other than work and have lost a lot of friendships from having a long term illness. Time for a re-boot for both of us maybe!

it is really hard but you do have your DD and she will be likely there for you to lean on if anything goes wrong, even if she's moved out!

I think the intrusive thoughts are 10 x worse when you are a single parent as you spend so much goddamn time alone with your thoughts.

I would set about something that could keep me occupied - maybe start an online business, social media account, new hobby, join the gym, try online dating, declutter and move the room around, redecorate (where possible!), even consider a pet.

And go easy on yourself, treat yourself - new clothes, weekend away (even on your own), haircut, start an evening course - anything fun.

I do go to the gym very early morning- my job is very demanding long hours and when i get home i spend time with DD. The weekend i do a second job to meet bills and facilitate DD's clubs etc. there is no time or money spare for me to do anything extra.

I do walk if i have time. I think this is just the way it is. I keep trying to be grateful for what we have. Sometimes i call the samaritans just for someone that will speak to me.

I don't feel like i can have more for me without compromising my time with DD. I think this is just what it is its just hard dealing with terminal illness - big life things