Overwhelm | Mumsnet

Tinkerbell7777 · 2026-10-20T10:45:42+00:00

We have recently made the decision to divorce. It’s very early days and we haven’t even told the kids. Possibly at the weekend. It’s what I want but I feel very overwhelmed, to the point I’m struggling to function. I'm sat here, I have a million jobs around the house that need doing and I just don’t seem to be able to get on with anything. I’m possibly depressed too. Any advice for pulling my socks up and just getting on with things. I want to be a better person, a better parent and stop wasting my life but I don’t know where to start.

CorkedWellbeing · 20/10/2026 11:52

Give yourself grace! It is a huge change and even if it is amicable and something that will make you happier in the long term, the short term impact is incredibly stressful and until other people know, it often doesn't feel quite real.

This is incredibly basic advice but as a very first step I think I'd be inclined to make a list of things that I need to do and maybe give yourself the rest of today to just think and go for a walk and then tomorrow morning begin your day with purpose and start tackling the items one at a time.

Good luck, OP. 🩷

zorazora · 22/10/2026 22:34

I’m in the same boat. First few days of mutual decision to divorce I felt quite empowered but a week later I feel really fearful. I’ve got so many unmanageable feelings and I’m on holiday alone (planned ages ago and we stopped going places together) and can’t enjoy it, thinking flying back. It’s really bloody hard isn’t it. Sorry to not be more positive or in a position to offer advice.

Original poster

Tinkerbell7777 · 25/10/2026 07:39

zorazora · 22/10/2026 22:34

I’m in the same boat. First few days of mutual decision to divorce I felt quite empowered but a week later I feel really fearful. I’ve got so many unmanageable feelings and I’m on holiday alone (planned ages ago and we stopped going places together) and can’t enjoy it, thinking flying back. It’s really bloody hard isn’t it. Sorry to not be more positive or in a position to offer advice.

Sorry I’ve only just seen this, did you manage to stay on your holiday? I’m the same I keep going between feeling strong to feeling really sad and scared. But I know I can’t stay like this forever.

OP posts:

Original poster

Tinkerbell7777 · 25/10/2026 07:40

CorkedWellbeing · 20/10/2026 11:52

Give yourself grace! It is a huge change and even if it is amicable and something that will make you happier in the long term, the short term impact is incredibly stressful and until other people know, it often doesn't feel quite real.

This is incredibly basic advice but as a very first step I think I'd be inclined to make a list of things that I need to do and maybe give yourself the rest of today to just think and go for a walk and then tomorrow morning begin your day with purpose and start tackling the items one at a time.

Good luck, OP. 🩷

Thank you so much for your kind words

OP posts:

zorazora · 25/10/2026 18:46

Tinkerbell7777 · 25/10/2026 07:39

Sorry I’ve only just seen this, did you manage to stay on your holiday? I’m the same I keep going between feeling strong to feeling really sad and scared. But I know I can’t stay like this forever.

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Yes! Am still on my holiday and just taking it day by day but it’s hard because everyone else seems to be arm in arm with another person and I just feel so sad I’m in my mid 50’s and don’t have that. But I’m trying to push on and not spiral. It’s such an emotional rollercoaster but it can’t be like this forever. I try to say “this too shall pass” and believe it. How are you coping?