Cabin fever.

[OrmIrian]

I've been on leave for a week and a half. We've had a holiday in a caravan for a week but came back on Saturday. It won't stop raining. I've hurt my foot so I can't run - can't even walk. I'm on citalopram but I feel like I am getting back to square one. I need some frigging space! I think I know why men need their sheds

I am some kind of anti-social freak Why do I need my own company so much. And why when I love my DC do I yearn to get aways from them?

No, you're not an anti-social freak. Well if you are then I am too because the feeling you're describing is quite familiar to me.

If I don't get regular time to myself I get quite irritable and weirdly, I find I can't concentrate as well on things.

And it sounds as if things have conspired against you to make you feel trapped.

Is there any way you can make some equivalent of the shed space for yourself? Even something simple like reading a book in the bath or going shopping for something nice for yourself.

Thanks besom. Glad I'm not alone.

I don't like shopping TBH. I need to get out in the hills and lanes to really clear my head. I just wish that my family didn't make me feel so suffocated at times.

Well I tried running last night and have now really f*cked up my foot. Can hardly walk and I can feel the greyness creeping up on me. Running is what I do to keep sane Not helped by everyone telling me I'm too old for 'pounding the pavements' and that it's only to be expected at my age.

Shit!

Are you able to get off to your bed really early? Would someone look after your dc's to let you get some space?
Poor you. I completely understand that feeling of suffocation despite loving the little gremlins to bits....

If you're an anti-social freak then so am I! I love my DC's, but I do so love time away from them too. It's not freaky, it's normal...for us anyway.

How about swimming? Might still be able to do it even with a dodgy foot?

Me too - single parenthood plus a gap between jobs mean I am going crazy at the moment. Much as I love having some time with my dd. Physical issues are a big issue for me, too. I think some of us just need that space, it's not wrong to feel like that.

Thanks everyone.

I do work mousie. I just went back today after 2 weeks off but it still doesn't help.

I can't really swim - we have a 'fun' pool that is always jammed all summer and is being closed down soon anyway. I can't drive to get anywhere else.

God I sound pathetic.

Thanks for your advice. I think an early night with a book will help but don't know what to do with all this surplus energy.

I would get thrown off mumsnet for giving you a hug so will send a monster bar of chocolate and some chamomile tea.
Hope you feel better after a good rest.

Thanks for that otter Much appreciated. I found that I could use the DCs trampoline without any pain so I spent 10mins on that. Early night didn't work out as DS#2 was wideawake till 11 for some reason. But I do feel a bit better today.

I am at work. DH is outside to give me a lift home. Which is very kind of him as I am still in pain with my foot. But I want to scream at him! I need the space - I need that little bit of time to walk home, listen to my MP3 player and be on my own. A lift will just make it quicker to get home and be involved in the chaos and noise of home. Dinner, cleaning, baths and the endless pointless task of getting the DC to bed. I could just run away. I want a week on my own.

I think I must be some kind of nutter to feel like this. I feel like I'm running on a wheel.

How are you feeling now, OrmIrian?

I didn't realise till I had dd how important 'me time' was for me. I absolutely have to have it, otherwise I am irritable and a horrible person to be around.

DH doesn't understand and thinks I am trying to get out of things. He also thinks my need for peace is weird too.

You are not strange OrmIrian, at least I hope you're not as that means I'm strange as well - and dh cannot be right