What does single parent burnout look like?

[Tellmeifimwrong]

Do I have ADHD, or is this just single parent burnout? Parenting 2 children (both awaiting ADHD assessment) completely alone. Have trauma in my background. Have all the signs of ADHD but am also in fight or flight most of the time. My life is chaos and I feel like nothing ever goes right. I'm completely worn out.

I would say

• feeling constantly hypervigilant
• not finding enjoyment in things that used to bring you joy
• insomnia
• self medicating (alcohol, food, gambling etc)
• constantly short fuse
• isolating yourself from friends and family

Have you tried getting help from GP/ mental wellbeing charity? Please reach out, if you're feeling overwhelmed there is help out there (and everyone who feels might benefit from help do deserve it! Things don't need to be completely rock bottom before you can accept help). Don't suffer in silence, things can get better. I recently heard that when someone is in distress you should ask them - do you need a hug, help or someone to listen. If you need help please reach out to GP/appropriate charities; if you need someone to listen we are here; if you need a hug I'm sending a virtual one x ❤️

Thank you so much @Pearlyb
Yes I can relate to that list. I'm completely wiped out. Dreading going back to work next week (on half term now) when the hamster wheel starts again.

Could you speak with friends / family / GP / mind (or other similar charities)? Don't be afraid to open up and look for help, it's normal to struggle if you have a lot on your plate. Don't burn yourself out x

I can relate. Two years separated and I have 6 year old DS, I work full time. Co-parenting but I'm still doing 99%.
Everyday is constant exhaustion.
Apart of drop offs and pick ups, sometimes this is the only reason for leaving the house as I WFH mostly. I'm so overweight and I desperately need to shed the pounds and get active.
No one to shaee stuff with at the end of a hard day. I'm going through a lot stress and Ive become closer to a small but disparate number of friends.
Most days feel invisible to the world apart from my DS.
I worry constantly for DS and live with constant guilt of not giving him a "proper " family.

It’s that. You’re not alone. Do ask for help. I’m thinking I should but it’s tricky to know where to start and what could change. Meanwhile, we just keep going x