Does it get easier than this?

[asmurfstolemyheart]

Hi,

I have 3 dc aged 6, 3, and 14 weeks. In the last few weeks I have started to struggle with everything. Sleep deprivation has been getting to me and I am constantly on the go with looking after dc3, school, pre-school and activity runs for dc1 & 2 and keeping on top of house, cooking, endless washing etc! My DH works long hours and is away a lot and other family don't live locally.

I have started to feel quite down and tearful, I also feel quite anxious about things. I am managing to keep on top of everything and the dc are happy and well looked after but I just feel so low. I also feel very frustrated with my DH which I know is unreasonable as it is certainly not his fault.

I am normally such a happy, positive person and I am thrilled to have my lovely family so I just can't understand this persistent feeling of depression.

I would be really grateful for any advice, practical or otherwise or simply just reassurance that this too will pass and things will get better. Many Thanks in advance.

I think anyone would feel a bit worn down in your circumstances- it is exhausting and a bit relentless with such a young baby on top of everything else.

Why are you feeling frustrated with your DH? Do you feel unsupported?

If you're feeling depressed rather than just shattered, maybe you could talk to your GP or HV.

Didn't want your post to go unanswered although i don't have tonnes of advice.

Everytime I log on to Mumsnet there's a thread with this kind of title. there's so many of us struggling!

14 weeks is an age that I found really tough with my DCs. the novelty of newborn has worn off but they just drink and sleep and give nothing back...

I honeslty think a visit to the GP would be worthwhile. I had PND woth both of mine. The relief of the mediaction was palpable (and not addictive as I'd feared!)

Try and get some help and some rest!

Good luck.

I am sure it will get better but it is hard now and you must do something

• have you chatted to GP about how you are feeling, ruled out PND?

• more likely is that you need some help and rest. Can you afford to get anyone to do something to give you a break, whatever you feel would be best - a couple of hours to yourself once a week/a cleaner/some exercise like a gentle walk/jog on your own? Failing paying someone is there a friend who could take older 2 DC's for a few hours so you can sleep when DC3 does?

It's really difficult when the baby's still so young. Try and take one day at a time, let the housework go a bit, make very easy/quick meals. And please don't put too much pressure on yourself. The fact that you get your older dc's to school and pre-school every day is amazing It will get easier soon. Is there anyway you could afford a cleaner for a couple of hours a week? Or a mother's help for a few hours to help alongside you? Even if you can only scrape together the money to afford this for 2/3 months, it will make the world of difference. Also there's homestart volunteers who will come around for a few hours a wk and play with the dc's whilst you have a bath/cook/tidy/chat and have a coffee with the volunteer. Do you get any time to yourself on weekends?