I can't cope

[Unsurprisinglysurprising]

I seem to be on a downward spiral.

I'm already on ADs but the last couple of days I am really struggling with the pressure of this time of year. It's the perfect storm of increased financial pressures when I am already in trouble financially plus the arrival of guests into my home where I really struggle to keep on top of the housework and clutter and the fact that I'm a single mum having to do it all alone. There are things everywhere and I feel I don't have time to get ready and can't get over the feelings of panic to make a start anyway.

I've been struggling with my DC not listening to me and misbehaving and I just want the world to go away.

I don't know what I can do in the short term. I already have a GP appointment booked in January.

I'm hoping just admitting I'm in a bad place will help. No one else in the world really knows the full horrors of my situation.

Hi surprise
How are you feeling today?

Sorry to hear things are difficult- I can relate to the pressures at this time of year. Well done for doing so well with kids, I couldn't do it! X

I don't have much of use to add other than me too and it's a bloody hard time of year. The kids make me so irritable when I'm like this and then I feel guilty as hell. I hope this week goes OK for you. Go easy on yourself

I’m in the same position as you and I feel exactly the same. I have been so hideously anxious this week. I have too many people coming to my house, there seems to be stuff everywhere that no matter what I do with it more stuff appears.
If I sit and put my rational head on I do know no one gives a crap about how tidy my house is. As soon as people arrive it will be chaos anyway. So what I am now doing is tackling things in half hr sessions then have a little break.
I put a timer on my phone and when it goes off I stop and sit for 10 mins or have a cup of tea. I’m also giving myself little jobs in one room at a time. I am also going to hide stuff I can’t find homes for under beds.
But I am mostly telling myself none of the superficial shit will matter in a months time, my house been less cluttered or cleaner will have no bearing on my life next month. May sound weird but it helps me put things in perspective.
The financial stuff of course is a different matter. That I’m trying not to think about.

I hope you are felling a little better.

I was feeling qutie down yesterday afternoon. I think it is the time of year that makes everything feel more intense. And I don't even have any guests to cope with!

I much prefer new year. Hope you feel better soon. Is there any chance your guests can help you?

If not perhaps rethink next year's arrangements if it is going to stress you so much.

I understand about money too. I only get a pittance from ds's dad and don't earn much and despite being due a tax refund in January it is nearly all going to be swallowed up by urgent bills!

Hope you manage to enjoy a nice sherry or a Xmas drink today. I can't even drink one as I got a menstrual migraine which is really nasty this time which stops me eating many things and enjoying a Xmas tipple!