How to deal with feeling overwhelmed by life

[Allili26]

I'm dealing with some negative life events at the moment. I'm having some health issues, starting divorce proceedings and there's no agreement between my siblings on how to sort my late father's house. The divorce is likely to get nasty.

On the plus side I have a job I quite enjoy and teenage kids in college and and no pressing money worries, though I have to be very sensible with my budget.

I just don't feel like myself. I'm very tearful and feel overwhelmed. I don't drink alcohol and I try to get regular exercise and fresh air. I read and watch light hearted television. I'm often fine and then suddenly overcome by tears and upset. I can get through a day at work pretty ok but the overwhelm hits mr in the evenings.

Any advice or suggestions on how to feel better would be greatly appreciated.

You have got a lot on your plate, you'd have to be emotionally inert not to feel the impact.

You're doing all the right things already. Additional suggestions:

• consider GP appt to sign you off sick. (Maybe not yet)
• make sure you switch off (probably literally turning off your phone. I dont think the modern habit of constantly being available and leaping to answer every message is healthy)
• yoga is good for being in the moment as you concentrate on the physical sensations
• connecting with nature & green space. A walk in the park or sitting in the garden

It might be good to speak to someone - a family member or friend. Failing that maybe a therapist, but someone to unload to and think through these events.

I think having an hour a week or so where you know for the entire week that you will be focusing on yourself and your MH in a sympathetic space is really helpful — not just for that hour, but throughout the week.

It’s the mental equivalent of having a place for something and putting it there when tidying your house so you always know where it is, rather than randomly trying to cram it out of sight somewhere different every day, just so you don’t fall over it.

Thanks for you replies.
I think you're probably right about the phone @DisplayPurposesOnly

My family are in endless discussions about the family home which never go anywhere. I think checking messages once a day before work and not engaging apart from that is something I have to make myself do.
I'll look into counselling. I don't think I can afford to go once a week but maybe could stretch to twice a month.
I plan to join an exercise class in September but everything seems to stop for the summer where I am. I'll see if there's any yoga classes available.
I tried to go down the mediation route with exH to save money, but he just wouldn't get his paperwork together and try to come up with a fair settlement. I only communicate with him trough my solicitor now. The unresolved family house issue on the heels of failed mediation feels like actual torture.

The family house is a difficult one. My father had a second family and the house in question was my half siblings family home. They are quite a bit younger than me and had a difficult upbringing. My father didn't make a will.
I've made my decision. I'm giving up my share of the estate as the younger siblings need it more. They are genuinely nice people but it's starting to feel like they won't ever make a decision because they want to keep us together as a unit, but it's extra stress for me with a divorce looming.

Yoga will give you time to yourself to breathe and clear your mind. Try 30 minutes a day.
Sleep and rest are important too.
Cut anything unnecessary from your daily schedule to reduce feeling of being overwhelmed.
Good luck 🌻