Is it me?

[TiredMum6]

I’ve just been signed off by my GP. I’ve had bereavements, health problems, housing issues, family problems over the last few years and I think it’s all just accumulated and got too much.

Looking around other people seem to manage to just keep on going, I know I’ve not got it that bad really.

Is everybody’s life a constant relentlessness?
If other people cope with it then how do I learn to cope too?

It definitely feels like a modern phenomenon not being able to cope, it was work or die, but I’m seriously struggling to get out of bed. It’s not lack of willpower - maybe I would have just given up and died 🤷🏻‍♀️

I don't think there are many people who get to middle age and haven't felt like this at least once or twice. Life IS relentless. I can only speak for myself, but I made choices when I was able, paid off my mortgage and live a basic, but non expensive existence. I made that choice in my late 30's. I am now mid-50's and have dropped down to 1 day a week work, - topped up by taking my tax free allowance from the very small private pension I was able to save.
I have had a small business for the last 20 years and most of the time I'm lucky that it breaks even - it paid my bills, and not much more, but I loved the work. To me, life is better with simpler things and less stress. I much prefer a slower pace of life and my dogs to potter around with, as opposed to deadlines, meetings. cruises and expensive holidays. I have had many professional customers during my time in business, including a few Consultants. I always remember one who expressed a saying to me and it was "life builds scars". It's so true; whether they are physical or emotional, nobody escapes those scars at times. We just need to learn how to navigate them. Good luck OP-try and live life at your own pace, if you can.

It sounds like you have dealt with a lot recently OP and your self criticism is the depression speaking. Try to be kinder to yourself as you would to anyone else in the same situation.

Thanks @abracadabra1980 it sounds like you get that it can be tough sometimes. I’m not in a position now where I can make choices like that. I’ve got a family to support, pretty frugal - no big holidays or fancy clothes, the deadlines and meetings and stresses have all just been from
one life event after another, and nothing I can control timescales on - hospital appointments, dealing with the council etc.

@Sleepalldaylong thank you. Someone else told me to try and be kind as I would
a friend. But I’m generally that blunt one who tells you to get on with stuff, I’m not good with people crying, I’m okay having a rant but only if we then do something about it - there’s usually a way to fix things!