Have any parents of children with SN ever had time off work sick because it is all too much?

[WellTidy]

DS2 is 3yo with a severe speech delay. He is also on the path to an assessment for autism/social communication disorder, and I am sure that he has autism.

He is completely non verbal, very frustrated at times, can be aggressive, is hard to keep safe and is hard work. It is very, very difficult to penetrate his little world, he won't take direction, and he eats very little.

I also have a 7yo DS who is NT but quite chatty and demanding in his own, very different, way.

I work 3 long days a week. I also have a 2 hour daily commute. DH works long hours 5 days a week. My parents live 5 hours away. ILs are close by, but not hands on type practical.

I am exhausted. Holidays are great, and things are easier when I have DH around to share experiences and physical care and responsibility with. But I am tired to my bones knackered, very emotional, teary and finding it all very overwhelming.

Is this part of the course, or do I need either medication or space or what? I have no idea. I just know that it is all a bit much at the moment.

it's worth talking to your GP. I finally did after I felt very disappointed that a bad accident I was in didn't end up with me in a coma and getting a break (that's how I rationalised it anyway). I had to fill in a form and undertake an assessment. It turns out that it had been building up gradually with my crappy work situation and I had been ignoring the early warning signs. Ended up being signed off work, put on anti depressants and put on nhs therapy which in turn was communicated to social services who will undertake some sort of parent carer assessment. we have now requested extra direct payment hours during the weekends and school holidays so we can take a break as recommended by gp and therapist. Not sure how much extra we'll get long term but they have granted a temporary increase of 4 hours a week while the assessment is being undertaken. I have found the support of DS1's school and the DP carers very useful. I now have a couple of very supportive colleagues at work who have made a big difference. Where do you live OP?

Gp has signed me off sick often 4 weeks 2 weeks. She puts situational disturbance on the forms and.wo

I totally understand and have every sympathy.
God, I have cried a lot over the years.
A quick fix of a couple of weeks off work ( I love my 3 day a week job and find it easy) or AD's , weren't the answers I was searching for.

At least take comfort that you are not alone and that many of us here feel like you do.

I've come back to MN after a few days away from it to so much support and understanding. I am so appreciative. Thank you all.

I don't want depression on my work sickness record. I work in a firm where depression is seriously career limiting and I don't think I would be supported.

zzzzz I do have something to look forward to. I am going out with some lovely friends this Friday. DH and I have a night out planned in June. I don't have the energy to exercise. I eat badly (way too much sugar, and I am relatively big around my middle despite being a size 10-12).

DS2 starts a pre school for children with special needs for 2 days a week from September and I am looking forward to that very much. He needs the support, and although it will take ages and ages to settle him and that will be stressful and emotional, it is the right place for him.

DS2 has no language at all. No words. He doesn't say mama or anything resembling that. He can say the 'd' consonant, so it can sound like he is saying 'dada' at times. He is incredibly clingy (towards me).

Thank you for your support and understanding.

I wanted to update. I have applied for a three month sabbatical from work. I have no idea if I will get it, but we will see. I think this will give me breathing space, especially as we are putting some home based learning in place for DS2 and that will require even more of my time. I have also applied for DLA for DS2 as every little helps. I think I am feeling a bit better than I did when I wrote my first post on this thread

I hope they approve it. Make some time for yourself as well while your off

Haven't read whole thread, but OP, yes I have taken time off work to sit at home and cry.
It's hard. Take some time every now and again.
I have also been on Anti-depressants for many years now, as I found it difficult to cope with dd (ASD) behaviour. I was reluctant at first, but I realised I need to do something when I had an appointment with GP made for me by my physio, as she realised I was clearly severely depressed. (DH hadn't seemed to notice .
I tried out two types of tablets and have been ok for quite a few years now. I tried coming off them a while back, but I started crying again, so happily went back on them.

Go to your GP, have a good old cry to them, and follow their recommendations.

TIP - take sunglasses and lots of tissues with you to GP, NHS ones are scratchy!!!! And sunglasses, as you have to walk past the waiting room on your way out with red eyes!!!

Please don't feel bad about looking after yourself. I bet you're a great mum.
Good luck.

Oh dear - I've just read the last few posts! duh!
You seem much brighter now!!!!
Hope it all works out!!!

• creeps out…….