It's a bit difficult at the moment

[FlemCandango]

I am finding life pretty difficult at the moment. DD1 (age 15 Diagnosed with ASD/ADHD/DCD/Anxiety) is barely keeping it together at school. She has struggled with going back after extended home schooling. She struggled with home schooling, socially she feels isolated. She has been taken out of PE and has needed to miss other lessons when she has a melt down at school. We have started the process for an EHCP and fully expect to have to go to appeal as that seems to be the standard approach.

On top of that I have some health issues, DH has been through the mill as his job is potentially at risk of redundancy which could be scary or a great opportunity but he is highly anxious either way. DS is 16 also autistic loves school, is a high acheiver, but is going to be doing his alevels next year at the same time as DD1 is doing her GCSEs and the anxiety levels will sky rocket in the house - so I am dreading that.

Dd2 is off school today as her period pain is so bad that she can't function. She is only 12 and taking so many pills she is rattling. I am so worried about how that is affecting her and guilty as she has inherited my horrible periods.

Blerdgh

You have got a lot on your plate

Don't put yourself last, remember you need looking after too. Do you have any real life support - friend to chat with etc?

I have friends but I haven't really spoken to them much over lockdown. I find having a zoom call or long telephone chat is not really how I like to see my friends. Going out was my release and I haven't done that for a year. I have been working from home and only go out for walks locally alone or with DH/ the kids.

I will be seeing friends again soon I hope. I really want to see my family, sisters and brothers, and mum. I think that would help but I have become a bit institutionalised over lockdown and I have forgotten how to "do" socialising! I have become very insular.

My job is quite intense as I advise people in difficult situations - homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, disability, discrimination etc. So I am constantly reminded that my life is not so bad in comparison. However sometimes I think I do underestimate the toll everything takes on me.

Thank you for your response minty

Christ on a bike, just had DD1 sobbing and wailing on my shoulder for 39 mins because her favourite teacher for the only subject she enjoys is leaving at the end of this school year. She is settled on the sofa with duvet/ sister/ popcorn/ Netflix now. But she is so emotionally fragile at the moment it is bloody exhausting!

Help.

No advice as such just didn't want to read and go, you must be exhausted. I hope external help is forthcoming for your DD. Is there any help you can access for yourself? Do you run at all, sometimes going for a run can just be that 30 minutes break you need. Take care x

Wow, all that and a really full on job too, I don't know how you do it! I know what you mean about feeling institutionalised, I am working up gradually - have been speaking to neighbours over the fence, had them round for a BBQ, coffee in garden with one friend etc.

I am glad you are dipping your toe in socially minty. I will get there I am sure. I am going to step away from this thread for now as I have a date with some fizzy wine.

This is because I am fucking furious right now after an email from school (DD's keyworker) basically asking us what to do about our daughter after we spent the last year asking them to help her! Now they are acting like it's a big fucking surprise that she is having daily meltdowns!

Sorry about all the swears.

Do some swearing and get it out, will do you good! As will some fizzy wine 🥂