Feeling overwhelmed after separation and worried I am failing my children

[ralsta]

I feel like an awful mum and I don’t know what to do

my 10 year long relationship broke down 18 months ago and I’ve found the whole thing really difficult. I wanted to try again with the children’s dad but he’d already moved on just a few months after. I never wanted to single parent, I didn’t want a ‘broken home’ I’m struggling to accept this still 18 months on

my daughter is still breastfeeding and I’m trying to wean her off but she’s not having any of it and it’s really adding to my stresses

I feel overwhelmed 90% of the time and find myself constantly yelling. I fear im ruining them and just find myself feeling sorry for them that im their mummy

my GP recently weaned me off sertraline, thinking it was more of a PMDD issue (hormones) than depression but I feel like maybe I should go back on them. She gave me the pill instead but I do feel as though I should be on something for my mood still. I just feel weak taking anything

they do stay at their dads every other weekend, but I dread it. It’s like a part of me is missing when they’re not here I love them so much

just looking for words of advice/encouragement 😔

If you're constantly yelling at your children, you know this isn't good. Go back to your GP and tell her how you're feeling. Ask for more support, can she refer you for talking therapy?

Try and use your free weekends for some self care - getting outside for a gentle walk, doing some exercise (gym, yoga, dance class?) seeing friends for a coffee or lunch out, soaking in a hot bubble bath, watching something funny or uplifting, giving yourself some little beauty treatments, getting a couple of early nights. You are important and you need to look after yourself 💐

How does your little one cope when you're not there to feed them.

Start going out the weekend you dont have them. Even to look around the shops. Go for a walk. If you have friends near by as them round for a coffee. Visit family. Get involved in a charity. Even helping in a shop once a fortnight. Sometimes you need to just help yourself. I mean that kindly. Good luck ❤️