What's the best way to combat the 'I hate my life' feeling?

[resipsa]

I feel like I'm constantly carrying a heavy weight on my shoulders and chest. This year has not been kind so far - DH lost his job in January (v unexpected), DD2 has been unwell constantly and DD1 had to be placed in short term foster care after violence at home. All of these situations have been resolved to a large extent but the dragging feeling remains. I feel I have made so many bad, long term life choices in terms of marriage, parenting and, specifically, finances meaning I'm in a constant state of envy about others' settled home lives and endless fun (especially holidays which we just cannot stretch to despite two healthy salaries). Life feels disappointing - an endless grind - and it seems like everyone around me is just doing it better (better organised, more sensible, more efficient, better thought through choices) with greater happiness as a result. How is it best to shake this feeling beyond obvious lifestyle changes like more sleep, more exercise etc? Any tips would be welcome. Dreading the school holidays.

We never actively make bad decisions or life choices - we try to do the thing we think is the right option, based on what information we have at that time and our life experiences up to that point, so please don't beat yourself up.

Envy is a useless feeling, yet someone will be envying you - maybe because you have children or because you have got through the horrible times and back on an even kneel. And money does not equal happiness, a quick trawl of the Daily Mail sidebar will quickly prove that.

I'm sure others will be along soon with practical ideas re the school holidays but remember - if you beat yourself up you'll only end up beaten; lift yourself up and who knows how far you can fly.

Exactly this op.. Problem is we all sometimes envy other people without really knowing what goes on behind closed doors. Comparison is the thief of joy. It's understandable that you feel way you do though, your husband losing his job would cause you both alot of stress.

You can only live in the present whatevers happened there must of been a reason for it even if you can't see it

You need a day out all of you doesn't have to cost loads. Don't look at social media for a while it doesn't help at all.
I find the simple things make my kids the happiest, all they want is your time.

Pack up a picnic and get out in nature it'll do you world of good