Advice please

[toomanychanges]

Hi, I really need some advice on what to do - regular(ish) poster, but name changed for this.
I'm feeling really overwhelmed and on the edge of a breakdown. For the last 6 months I've felt on a rollercoaster of ups and downs. We relocated across the country (for positive reasons) with an 11 and 8 year old - 8 year old has autism and really struggled with the change, he's school refusing a lot which is tough. I had to leave my job with the move and really missing it - can't look for a new one until son more settled. We've had lots of other things going on which I won't elaborate, and the children have had way, way too much screen. These last 6 months I've been very up and down - real rollercoaster, but have always managed to hide from the children. Had a bit of counselling, but didn't help too much and can't afford, so stopped. Exercise helps too, but probably not enough. I'm hiding away now as I don't feel I can come down and face my family - just can't stop crying and I really feel out of control. I really don't want my children to see me like this. The whole family has been through enough recently. Could anyone who has been through similar advise on what best to do? Would rather not take anti depressants, but would that be best?

Is there someone else in the house who can take care of the kids today? Or someone who can come and collect them?

Let them do that and you give yourself the day to do whatever makes you feel better. No responsibility, no stress, just you time. So stay in bed, watch TV, read, have a bath, go for a walk, eat chocolate, whatever.

Don't think about anything except yourself. Everything else will still be there tomorrow, so forget it all for a day. Today is about you because you deserve it.

Hi Olimar, Thanks for this, but I think I need more than a short term solution. I've tried mindfulness, exercise and talking therapy. They all help a bit, but not enough. I think I'm just overwhelmed by the amount that has changed in the last 6 months and the problems we have had - close family bereavement, kids' special needs, school refusal etc. I also might be going through perimenopause as periods all over the place. Because of covid and my kids needs it's been hard to meet new people too.Anyway I've felt overwhelmed with anxiety and wondering whether I do need medication or whether it's more circumstantial and I should wait to see if things improve iyswim.

You’ve got an awful lot to deal with and you’re right you need help in coping with it all. I’ve found talking to my GP and counselling provides an outlet from everything that’s going on. I find when I don’t speak to anyone it all builds up to a point where I can’t cope. I’m not taking medication, not because I’m opposed to it but I have a few health issues and don’t want to take anything else.
I do all the other things people suggest, exercise, journaling which do help but I think talking helps me cope.
Maybe you could speak to your GP and decide with ad’s would be a benefit to you?