Please or to access all these features

Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Feeling low, stuck in negative thoughts and struggling to cope alone

3 replies

TheOliveDreamer · 30/05/2026 20:00

I was quite unwell a couple of weeks ago and don't feel I've really recovered. Lots of dodgy tummy activity. I don't feel much like eating due to the heat and am just lethargic. Mentally I'm going round negative loops. Emotionally I'm feeling sad as my work contract is ending - I've also still got some time to go until it ends but it's like pulling teeth, I haven't enjoyed it. I keep watching rubbish on Netflix. I know it's a distraction. I just don't feel like I have the skills to deal with any of this on my own, but I feel like because of my age I should have the skills. If anything my age makes it worse as I'm reminding myself what a failure I am. Just needed to write this all down.

OP posts:
TheCandidPoet · 31/05/2026 00:12

Sorry you're feeling so rotten. I live alone too and it's very easy to get in those negative loops when you're down. If it's any help, I find if I can make myself go out for a walk it interrupts the depressive spiral, and gives me a bit of momentum to start getting to grips with things. Hugs 🫂

2026onwardsandup · 31/05/2026 00:34

Sorry to hear that you aren’t feeling great . I think it is difficult , when things get on top of us . I too did the replaying of things that have gone wrong in a loop and found I couldn’t sleep .

I think if you can try and think of some food that you could eat during the heat , some nice salads , fruit as if you aren’t eating much that will deplete your energy . Put in some treats too , even some ice cream , some cold drinks .

There are times that we just need to decompress and do what we can to comfort us e.g netflix etc . Do try and find something that is non taxing , but also slightly uplifting too .

I know some people find journalling helpful , write down 3 things a day about you / your life that are positive .
I also used chat gpt recently , when I was feeling down and found it quite useful as it was helpful getting a response to my queries .

Above all you are not a failure , there may be things in your life that aren’t great at the moment , but that doesn’t make you a failure .

Are you likely to get another contract when this one finishes ? Is there any skills you can try and brush up on that will make you more employable . Sometimes you just have to get your head down and get on with a job that isn’t great . If you can, try and break up the day by nipping out at lunch , even if for a short walk or ideally if there is somewhere you could sit outside and eat your lunch / take a book / magazine .

Be kind to yourself x

TheOliveDreamer · 31/05/2026 01:03

Thank you so much for these kind words. I'll reread them again.

I'll try and go for a walk tomorrow morning and also buying fruit and salads sounds a good plan.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page