Struggling to cope with toddler with another one on the way

[Flake2017]

I’ve suffered with anxiety/depression for a number of years but am having struggled to cope right now, my daughter is 16 months and beyond a challenge. We are having issues with eating solids, sleeping, she refuses to ware shoes (even though she wants to walk everywhere) tantrums and clingyness I can’t leave the room without her having a melt down, let alone leave her with anyone else. Have no idea what to do and as a result my anxiety is out of control to the point where I have seriously thought about harming myself or leaving entirely. Baby no.2 is the only thing that stops me (23weeks pregnant). Have spoken to my partner about this and he is trying to help where he can but it’s not solving any of the issues, reletives, well no matter how I try to explain the situation they just don’t get it, all they do is drink tea a tell me how beautiful she is!!

Poor you! Remember it is all a phase! Your toddler will have picked up on the pregnancy and have a lot of confusing feelings going on, added to the mix of being a toddler, so needs as much love and reassurance as you can muster. The tiredness with pregnancy won't be there once #2 arrives, and this phase your toddler is in won't last forever (although it may feel like it). I've enlisted my GP and my Health Visitors help with my toddler so I really recommend that, and try to go with the flow, lower expectations a bit and use lots of stickers and raisins and cuddles to get through it! You should also regularly do something to help you have time out and to know you're going to get that mental time out, whether it's a regular time with a magazine and a regular yoga class or something. Get some support with your mental health and stay strong, you are a much needed and much loved mummy to that toddler whether they show it or not

I feel you. I have a 22m DC and another on the way (29 weeks pregnant) and am also struggling with being basically the sole carer. I feel like my brain is just switching off onto autopilot and I'm not even there. Don't worry the clingy phase does pass!