Overwhelmed with emotion

[crumbledmix]

Hi all

My dad died early this year, we were so close and approaching Christmas is bringing up so much emotion.

I recently found out I'm in the early stages of pregnancy so I'm aware this may be making me more emotional.

Last week I had a disagreement with a colleague that became heated, I usually avoid the slightest conflict whereas they are known for the opposite. I know we will need to address it next week as it needs to be resolved.

Everything feels too much. I've had three days of feeling constantly tearful, I'm finding it hard to do what I need to look after my young child (supportive husband thankfully so they're fine). I know I'll be ok, I'm just worried short term that going into work next week I'm going to find it hard to keep on top of my emotions. I don't want to appear like I'm playing the victim and crying to have things resolved in my favour but I genuinely am finding it hard to stop the tears. I just feel so low.

I'm not sure where to turn to so appreciate any encouraging words.

I’m sorry everything has been so hard. Sometimes life just seems to throw everything at us. My mum died during the pandemic so I know the pain of parental loss.

The advice I have is to try not to deal with everything at once. Be a supportive friend to yourself - have an active positive narrative. Talk to yourself-out loud if you need to-and guide yourself through how you’re going to deal with the things that are in front of you at any given time. Break it right down into chunks- eg- for the next 10 minutes I’m going to think positive thoughts about my pregnancy. Or: I will look at photos of dad whilst I’m having coffee but then I will go for a brisk walk and listen to a meditation before bed.

tell your husband what you’re doing- I bet he’ll b encouraging.

For next week, I know work situations are so stressful but they do get dealt with and they do pass. Talk thru with ur husband every possible option u have to make things better at work. List them and decide on how u want to deal with things. At the moment u feel things r out of control so take some of that control back - eg - u cd email ur colleague in advance of next week with a conciliatory message. You might also want to do something practical like only going in for two days rather than three if you can’t face the three days. Or – if you plan on meeting your colleague and it’s a meeting you’re worried about-try arranging to meet a friend after it. Then you’ve got something to look forward to.

you have so much going on right now. Try and be really kind to yourself. Have a quiet and relaxing Christmas and don’t try and overachieve at anything right now. Maybe life just needs to be a bit quiet and gentle and you need to hibernate a bit with your lovely husband and child and look forward to better times ahead x