Is this depression? Or normal mum life?

[Iseveryonelikeme]

I am in my 30s with 2 DCs (3yo & 6mo) who are generally 'easy to manage'. I work part time in middle management and we are financially comfortable. I have a lovely husband who is attractive and kind, but really irritates the life out of me with how incompetent he is in family life (think...I am the manager kind of role!).

Anyway, to my point. I am always exhausted. Generally irritable and snappy with husband (not the children). Sometimes I am really horrible but feel like I just can't control it! I've had bloods done and all normal. I have time to exercise but can't be bothered. My favourite passtime is lazing in bed and napping...not feasible with small kids! I can't be bothered to clean, but do the basics of cooking healthy dinners, buying healthy food and keeping our clothes clean/ presentable. I generally can't be bothered with day to day life responsibilities. It's a drag.

Is everyone like this to some degree or am I a miserable git who needs to get on with it and be happy with my (admittedly very nice on paper) life?

Impossible to say just based on your post. You're clearly concerned to be asking the question though so my advice is make an appt with your GP to discuss. They can screen you for depression.

I would say you need a passion. Mine was my horse, going to the stables was what made we want to leap out of bed in the morning, it's what made the mundane housekeeping and childcare work bearable without a single grumble. I always had loads of energy after a good ride and doing barn work, I was happy and bubbly and had loads of patience life was all sunshine.

She died a month ago and now I feel like you describe. My happy place is gone and now I'm irritable, tired and not interested in doing anything. I lose my patience with my daughter who I know can't help the crying etc because she's only a baby. I never lose my temper with my husband though he is very kind and supportive and validates all my feelings without asking. Even though I always had my baby at the stables with me it was still my daily break, my half an hour that was just for me and filled me with pure joy, all the stress melted away etc. and it's hard to cope with everything now that outlet is gone.

So my assessment would be fine a passion that gives you escapism for a few hours a week or half an hour a day and life will be much better. I think the boredom of modern life makes most people feel like this. Even though I love my career and I love my baby and I love my husband I need something that sets my soul on fire and is just for me, and I think most people need that but don't have it. Go find it!