To want to change my number and shut out the world after a horrible and tough year?

[NimblePeachFinch]

It’s been a really challenging time for me lately, and I’ve been considering changing my number as a way to start fresh. I feel overwhelmed and just want to take a step back from everything. AIBU for wanting to disconnect and focus on myself for a while?

Bumping for you.

You don’t have to change your number to take a step back.

Ah @NimblePeachFinch I think a lot of people will empathise with you. Maybe take a few baby steps towards it (taking yourself off some/all socials) and seeing how you feel. Or composing a stock message for anyone messaging you that you’re taking a bit of time and space as you’re a little overwhelmed. Can you get a few days away somewhere doing something that is just for you? I wouldn’t just push the nuclear button straight away. Tomorrow is another day and you may feel differently.
Be kind to yourself x

I do this on a small scale but only for a few days at a time. I feel worse if I shut people out as it becomes very isolating.

I’ve had a few health issues over the last 18 months & had major surgery in March, plus difficulties with my dysfunctional family (my childhood family not my own lovely family) and feel totally exhausted, burnt out and overwhelmed tbh. I’ve come off all SM except for a couple of private groups on FB to do with an animal charity I volunteer with and deleted all friends/family etc off FB, not that I post anything myself. On my bio I’ve put FB is now only used for animal charity private groups. I’ve also muted my phone so only check when I want to, temporarily blocked/archived any messages or people I don’t fancy dealing with atm. I have taken short breaks in the past and have been upfront about taking time out to reboot & read some books etc. If people can’t respect that then they’re not worth bothering with. If you get hassle about it, don’t engage, just mute/block them for now. It’s important to look after our mental health. I’ve blocked off Nov/Dec/Jan for now as time to recuperate and concentrate on recovering from my surgery which has taken its toll both mentally and physically.

So I think you can definitely retreat, without going full nuclear and changing phone numbers which could be a pain and hassle later on. I’d definitely be upfront too in telling people you’re taking some time out to recover and rest, many people are more aware of burn out now and are doing this. Plus this time of year is hibernation season anyway. You are definitely not being unreasonable, hope you get some peace x