Feeling constantly stressed

[Flightmode41]

Hi all! I’m new to the forum. I really just want a safe space to just say how I’m feeling.
I’m a single mum to a five year old boy who’s just started school this year. I’ve just started a new job too, and it’s full time for the first time since I have my son. And I’m struggling. Not so much with the work, with the routine. Even the seemingly simple task of getting my son dressed or brushing his teeth causes me stress. I find myself yelling all too easily and it’s not only affecting my relationship with my son, but also my mental and physical health.

mid last year I was suffering from pins and needles all over my body. After a raft of neurological tests nothing was found, so I put it down to a stress reaction. And now it’s happening again and I can feel myself reaching the point of burnout again.

Add to that, I’m sad. We moved back to Sydney after living in another city for 15 years - I lament my old life, I miss my friends and I miss financial freedom.

I have a lot more going on in my head than I can write down right now, but I just wanted to reach out and say hi, and share my story.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Flightmode41,

Welcome to the forums, and thank you for your bravery and openness in sharing here. It’s a really safe space to share and hear from others, who might be able to relate to what you're dealing with right now. 

Is there anyone you're talking to about this? It sounds like it could be worth chatting to the GP about how you're feeling. The Beyond Blue Support Line is here for you 24/7 on 1300 22 4636. You can also reach our counsellors via Online Chat here. There's also Parentline, who can be a great resource when you don't get many opportunities to talk through the challenges of parenting while balancing all the other issues life throws at us. You can find the Parentline number for your state here. 

We’re sure we’ll hear from the lovely community soon, but in the meantime, here’s some strategies you might like to have a look at it:

• The HeadsUp pages on taking care of yourself and staying well
• Some strategies for managing anxiety
• This previous thread where community members have shared what physical feelings of anxiety they get
• This previous thread where community members have shared some self help tips for managing anxiety

Thanks again for sharing. We’re here to listen and offer support, and you never know how your story might help someone else.

Kind regards,

Sophie M

[Banksy92]

Hi Flightmode41,

Welcome to the forums, we're so glad you found this space to share your story. There are lots of people with similar experiences who want to support each other and listen.

Well done to you for raising your lovely young boy and now getting back into the workforce. This is such a big achievement and naturally I would imagine quite a big change, so the stress is understandable. Particularly after moving away from your support network.

Have you considered having a chat with your GP to see a psychologist about your anxiety? Having someone in your corner to work through these feelings and build strategies to cope can be really helpful.

The pins and needles is an interesting one. I actually acquired a chronic pain condition a few years ago which started with pins and needs in my hands and led to an awful ache in my arms that no doctor or test could figure out. After a long journey I ended up at a pain specialist who was able to prove it was caused by my untreated stress and anxiety. As soon as I got help, it went away completely. So I guess all I'm saying is the body can definitely send you physical warnings about your mental health, as mine did.

Let us know how you're getting on.

[Mark Z.]

Hi Flightmode41,

Welcome to the forum.

I'm a father of two young kids and I completely understand your challenge.

Do you want to share if you have tried to or plan to seek for professional help? For example to see a psychologist. I'm not a professional but it's sounds like a burnout as you said. When you say even simple tasks in your life cause you stress, it means that you're suffering every moment, it might be very hard to get back to the right track on your own, the professional treatment can't be delayed any longer. I would strongly suggest you to see a psychologist, or your GP if you don't know where to start.

I can tell that you have very good self-awareness of your status, which is very helpful. Hope everything will be better.

Mark