Feeling really low :(

[Sunshine511]

I don't know really what my hope is from writing on here but I suppose I'm hoping that something will make me feel better about everything.

My husband works away a lot and has left today for the next couple of months which will result in him getting home a month before my due date. We already have a toddler and I'm a stay at home mum. We don't have any family nearby (we live in a different country) and the nature of my husbands job means we move a lot, so I don't have many close friends! I'm finding the thought of being alone for these last couple of months so daunting! I usually deal with him being away really well but I just feel so down about it this time. Just feeling a little overwhelmed. I know that when I was pregnant last time, I found myself feeling anxious at times, due to all the impending changes, which I'm sure is normal, so I think it's just that on top of having to deal with being a lone parent, and pregnant, that's getting me down.

You must be feeling very isolated. I know it's not quite the same, but I work from home and that can get lonely during the week whilst my other half works at the office - I tend to feel a bit stir-crazy too, being in the house all the time. Cleaning/ taking walks to the shops/playing video games/ going to the gym helps to break up the day a bit.

Have you considered picking up a hobby? Or maybe starting a blog? Anything to try and take your mind off of how you feel.

You mentioned that your family is miles away - why not agree a time every night to Skype them? Even if it's just a ten minute chat with your mum. It might make you feel a bit better to see their faces.

Does your husband call you during the day?

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling like this. Feel free to PM me if you just want to chat.

Great suggestions above. Also perhaps find a bump group to join. Ask your local children's centre, mw, docs softplay and play cafes as they normally host or advertise them.

Plus NCTrun a second time round course where you can meet other mums on their second pg. That is something I am planning even though I didn't do NCT the first time round.

If your feelings start taking over please speak to the docs. I have been feeling low and took myself to the docs this week who was really supportive. Mw can help too.

Thank you so much for your lovely, supportive replies. Some really useful suggestions and just nice to share how I'm feeling. I find it hard to tell family because I know they have their commitments and can't exactly drop everything to come and visit with them being so far away. I'm feeling a little more positive today and I know a lot of people have a lot more challenging problems to contend with in pregnancy so I just need to keep the mindset that everyday that passes is a day closer to him coming home. Thanks again ladies, it's much appreciated x

I sympathise hun my DH also away a lot and not near family.
Definitely try finding toddler groups and see what's going in with nct nearby - also try a prenatal pilates or yoga class if you can find regular sitter / gym with creche. Not only are these sociable but great for relaxation too. Plus gives you a regular hour without toddler!
I found a gym with creche during mat leave when DH was away, and would swim a couple times a week plus do my hair properly after ha - a bit of self indulgent time!

I really feel for you lovely - pregnancy can feel so isolating even when you've supporr around. Is there a mum community near you where you can get out for coffees or events with your toddler? Or can you make a list of all the little things you'd love to do if you had more time - films to watch, books to read etc - and commit to using any free time to devoting it to yourself. Just having a few Skype chats with relatives booked in a few days in advance too could help? Best of luck to you xxx

Honestly, thank you so much for taking the time to respond! It's really helped and I will try all of the above suggestions and hopefully, the more time passes, the better I'll feel. Sometimes a listening ear can make the world of difference so thank you so much for listening and genuinely making me feel better about everything! It means a lot x

I'm glad that you're feeling happier :) also, just because worse things happen at sea, it doesn't make your problems any less meaningful. You're entitled to feel sad and lonely every now and then, in fact it's very healthy to not bottle and to reach out.

I had a quick look on Facebook and loads of people do zero-obligation, closed mums groups. Might be worth seeing what the banter is in your area?

Have you joined your anti natal forum on here? I joined with my first and my second. My first DC has just turned 2 and we are still friends. We set up a facebook group while pregnant and where there for each through everything since albeit virtual. And we have all met up with others in the group who live locally and not too far.

Goingloopy I was about to suggest the antenatal thread here too.
Sunshine what month are you due?