Backstory: Husband is an ICU doctor and moved into a hotel 2 weeks ago to reduce the risk of spreading Corona to me or our 3 month old daughter. He’s been working many more hours than usual anyway as his dept. is struggling with staff illness/having to isolate due to suspected Corona. Initially I was to self isolate for a fortnight then move in with my parents to give me some support with the baby. I’d already had a few periods of struggling before, not quite PND but not far off. I’d been getting better as I was seeing my NCT group and going to classes, and my husband made sure to give me some time tomyself.
Now that’s all gone and I’m on my own with a 3 month old and I am not coping now. Managing just about in the day, and using video chat to try and stay social, but seeing other people having family time together just makes it worse. I’m crying and generally low most of the day. Still haven’t left the house other than the odd walk around (husband drops off food and waits 2m away).
What’s worrying me is that I’ve started hurting myself to cope with the stress, banging my head on the headboard or wall or scratching myself- especially when the baby is crying or won’t go down for a nap. I’m certain I won’t hurt her, but I almost shouted at her the other day and felt so guilty. I’m worried about how much longer I can manage on my own. I remove myself from her if I feel I’m getting stressed, and I can’t imagine hurting her, but I honestly can’t manage like this much longer.
Tried speaking to GP but the lines have been either down or busy every time and the receptionists are not seeing anyone face to face.
Don’t want to worry my husband as he’s working so hard and is under so much pressure at work. I’ve told him I’m struggling and he’s offered to come home, but realistically he’s on the ward so much it wouldn’t make much difference. Plus the risk of infection.
I’m so tempted just to pack up and go to my parents anyway. They think they’ve had Corona as they both had bad coughs/throats and were ill for a week. They’re pretty much self isolating anyway due to living rurally. I’ve been self isolating as per the original plan. Husband thinks it’s still a good idea- and he’s frontline NHS-but I know how important the lockdown is.
I know other people have it worse, or are in similar boats, so would love to know how you cope.