Anyone contacted social services for some support?

[charlottexox]

I am struggling with my almost 2 year old. Her behaviour has become violent and I am unsure if I can cope anymore.
My mental health is seriously plummeting and I have already contacted my gp about how I'm feeling. She has suggested changing antidepressants but I feel like it masks the problem and doesn't solve it.
I'm wondering if I could ask her to contact SS to help support me? But I'm wondering what they can do to help support us?
I am a full time mum and although I love my DD dearly, I am seriously struggling to cope on a day to day basis.
She won't nap during the day now, and wakes up at 6am every morning so I am absolutely exhausted every day.
I am beginning to feel as though motherhood is not for me and I have thought about ending my life very recently due to not being able to cope.
I have minimal support and help from family. My parents hardly have anything to do with us and my partner works full time, although he supports us he is only available on weekends as that are is days off.
His parents offer minimal support and help as they just tell me to crack on with it and I feel as though they think they already do too much for us by dropping us to doctors appointments etc.
But rarely if ever have her for a full day for me.
I'm at a loose end and I'm so stuck about what to do and who to reach out to.
I feel like my life is just passing me by and I feel so sad constantly.

I'm unaware of where you live but a friend is in a similar situation to you and she contacted ss and they refered her to a service called thriving families which was a great help, you don't have to be refered you can contact them yourself but this does depend on where you live there are similar services in each area. Good luck

I think you need to tell your partners parents or your parents (and your partner) the extent of the struggles that you are facing and that you are planning to contact social services for some help. It is not surprising that you are having trouble coping because those closest to you are not supporting you. Toddlers are really shockingly hard work and people certainly do forget, very quickly. My dd is 10 and I was still shocked at the work involved (and subsequent exhaustion) in minding my 2yo niece for a couple of hours. It will definitely get easier as your little dd grows up and you sound like a great mum.

It might be worth contacting your local health visitor team. They are there to support children up to the age of 5 and will be able to at the very least organise some support from a local charity to help you.

@ScattyCharly thanks so much. I have told my partner very recently how down Ive been feeling and his reply was by saying I have no reason to be depressed and that I have a good life.
That really hurt me as he knows how much I am struggling right now. My HV is fantastic and goes above and beyond to help me with anything, so I'm going to give her a call this afternoon.
Thanks for your advice.

Unfortunately some men just don't get it and don't understand feelings. HV will be able to refer you to these organisations. Hope you get the help you need.

Aww Charlotte I really feel your pain. I have mental health issues with depression which in itself makes anything I do much more difficult but throw a demanding toddler in the mix and it's even worse. I've actually just written a massive post on my 17 month old. She's not really violent just an odd time but she's demanding. I do not get a minute. She's a bad sleeper too. Up for hours at least twice a week and on good days she'll sleep till 6am. I have zero help from my parents or his either. I loved Scattycharlys comment about how quickly everyone forgets how hard they are. I think speaking to your health visitor is the best idea please update what happens if you can as I might have to go down this route myself. Big hugs x

Have you heard of Home Start?
They might be able to put some support in for you.

www.home-start.org.uk/find-your-nearest-home-start

I was really struggling a few months ago, and I have a weekly visit from a lovely volunteer. She stays the afternoon and we take my son on outings. It’s really nice to have something in the week to look forward to.

@HonniBee it's weird you should say that as they called me TODAY! I have been on their waiting list for 2 months.
I don't drive either so me and DD don't get out much, I'm wondering what the lady who visited you did for you?

@pla85 thanks Hun. It's nice to know I am not alone. I see so many mums always smiling and enjoying every second of motherhood and there's me that struggles daily
HV is calling me tomorrow and I have an appointment with home start next Friday to see what they can offer me.
Sorry to hear you're going through something similar, I hope we both can find something that works for us and our children. X

@charlotte

She comes for the afternoon. We chat if my son is still asleep, and then when he wakes up she plays with him or helps me with small chores like a load of laundry. Sometimes she’ll play with him while I do a quick clean without him “helping” me... I have no family nearby so I imagine she does what my mum would do if she could!

We go for a walk or to the park. We’re planning to go swimming this week. And she’s going to come with me to my son’s hospital appointment because my husband is working.

I know they can take you in their car if you sign a form, so maybe once you have a volunteer they can take you out?