Sort posts
I used to roll my eyes a bit at 'parental burnout'. Everyone's tired, that's parenting.
Now I've got a 2 year old who doesn't sleep, a 6 year old with suspected ADHD who needs a lot from me, a full time job and a partner who works shifts. I've started crying in the car before work. I forget things constantly. I've had a cold for about six weeks that won't shift. I feel nothing when the kids are lovely, just flat.
I don't know what I'm asking really. How did you climb out of it?
Please see your GP. What you're describing (the flatness, tearful in the car, constant illness) can be burnout but it can also overlap with depression or anxiety, and either way you deserve support. A GP appointment won't fix everything but it's a starting point.
For me it was ruthlessly lowering the bar. Fish fingers three nights a week. Kids in pyjamas for school run if needed (under coats). Laundry stays in the basket. Said no to every birthday party for a month. It sounds tiny but it gave me back an hour a day.
If your partner works shifts, is there any way to have one protected block a week where you're completely off? Not doing the food shop, actually off. I did that for my wife when she was in a bad place and it really helped her.
With your 6 year old, look at the parent support groups for ADHD in your borough. Even before diagnosis. Being around people who get it helped me more than anything.
Booked a GP appointment for Thursday. Feels like a small thing but it's the first thing I've done for myself in months. Thank you for not saying 'everyone's tired'.
That's not a small thing. Let us know how you get on x
Log in to replyGuests can’t post on the forum — signing up takes a minute.
