feeling very flat

[mummymcphee]

My parents have just moved in to help me get back to work four days a week. They have rented out their cottage in Scotland. My dd is 7 months old and has never met her dad so mum will look after whilst I work. I have managed and coped with everything until now. I cannot understand why my mood has plummeted when suddenly they are here to help. I was caught up in a violent outburst between some neighbours on tuesday...and have been low and tearful ever since. I spoke to mum about it and she told me to get a grip as I have to get back to work and pay the bills. I have started procrastinating about why I am on my own etc and didn't really feel low at all until this last week. Not sure what to do?

Well as much as your parents are providing great help it is also a reminder you are dependant on your parents which isn't something we usually aspire to, so hardly surprising it hasn't cheered you up even though it will make life easier and you probably feel grateful. That sort of thing does make you dwell on / appraise your life and maybe pick it apart a bit.

Combine that with an unpleasant row with someone you are highly likely to see again.

and you are going back to work which as any new mum will tell you is a wrench even when you are looking forward to it. You are probably anxious about getting back into the swing of things in the workplace.

Hardly surprising you are feeling blue. I am your feelings will even out soon and you will have some fun again and things will improve.

Often we cope while we have to and fall apart when we can which could be playing a part. I think you have reason to be down, so nothing wrong with you at all.

In the meantime have some sympathy - it is hard work feeling down especially when you are told to man up - I am sure she thinks it was the best advice but sometimes you just want someone to understand.

Hang on in there - it'll improve.

Thanks gin I think I was just worried i was sliding into a delayed version of post natal depression. What you have said makes perfect sense. I am going to just take each day as it comes.

Life is too short to dwell on the past. I know it sounds ungrateful not to feel better now the cavalry (my parents) have arrived.

No probs Mummymcphee - all sounds completely understandable to me.

It doesn't sound ungrateful that you aren't happier! It isn't gratitude you are lacking!

You just have a lot on your plate and I think the things you have described would get Mary blimmin Poppins down, never mind an ordinary mortal.

You aren't on the brink of suicide (hope not!!) you are just really rather fed up due to one thing and another. But you are embarking on a new chapter and things will look very different in another few months time.

Give yourself a break - don't expect too much and just try to enjoy the people in your life who love you while you wait to turn the next corner.

Chin up lass, you'll be OK.

You've got a lot on your plate and a lot of changes happening so don't beat yourself up for feeling down. You may find that once you get into work and a routine that might help.

If you continue to feel down then don't be afraid to ask your gp or hv for help. My hv put me in touch with a counsellor last year and it has really helped.