How to cope with depression and lonliness during lockdown as a single mother?

[crazymicrowave123]

I have a 1 year old son who just turned 15 months. Me and his father split up when he was 3 months old as we kept arguing and going through stress and I was dealing with extreme depression and PND. We agreed it would be better for our son if we split and I felt he changed a lot during my pregnancy and became a different person for the worse.

I fell out of love with him but we tried to stay together for our son but realised it just wasn't working. He moved on and is now in a serious relationship which he's been with her for almost 10 months now. He has our son twice a week. I've found it hard to accept that he's moved on and gone back to the man I fell in love with but for another woman. Now I am single and alone forced to take care of our son majority on my own.

I work full time including weekends and my son goes to nursey so every evening is spent getting him ready for bed and doing chores. I don't have many friends and a lot of my family live far away. I live with my sister but she is studying and also working full time so I am often alone.

I have been feeling extremely depressed as I don't have anyone to really talk to or much support (I work in an isolated office) and miss having a relationship/adult company to talk to in the evenings when my son is with his dad.

Haven't been able to get out much during the day as I am constantly working and can't see family due to the lockdown. I just feel so burnt out and stressed being a single mother. I wouldn't even know where to start by meeting someone or if anyone would even be interested in me being a single mother so my confidence is low. I have been trying to exercise but don't get much time with my son around. Just need some encouragement I guess? :(

I can so relate to you, it can be so lonely I'm cocooned with my 5 month old daughter and the loneliness can get to you. Have you tried the new app frolo for single parents? There's lots of zoom meet ups and chatting.

Also try keep a routine go for walks feed the ducks just so your not stuck in the house all day. This will get easier x

I feel the same, I’m a lone parent (ex not involved) to 4 kids and I live alone, never really felt that lonely till now, lock down definitely magnifies things

Three children lone parent here (very little / no contact with their father).

You aren't alone in the bigger scheme of things, and people can understand some of what you're going through. However I completely agree that it is very lonely.

It stretches out endlessly, doesnt it. This idea of not knowong if or when you will be able to connect with others. It sounds like you have grief to work through and that is hard to do whilst isolated.

All you can do is keep focused on connecting with people in whatever way works for you.....lots of hugs with the little one, family via video, time with your sister when you can, apps, support websites etc.

Sending you a big, warm hug.

Don't think too far ahead. Try and make time with other adults for a walk or plan a nice meal with your sister.

I have found the Facebook dating app ok. For chatting to people and seeing what's out there.

I have been single for 3 years now. I needed time to heal but know I need to meet someone else now not sure how that looks but I'm taking steps in the right direction.

Great advice by Secondtimemum2..Frolo app is great.Was a life saver for me last year when I was pregnant depressed and lonely.Also second going out even if just to feed the ducks..I did that yesterday with my 11 month old and we both felt great afterwards.