Hello from a struggling single dad.

[Blackrabbit]

Hi folks,
The title says it all. My wife and I have been separated for a year and I have primary care of three little ones aged 9, 6 and 3. They spend weekends with their mum and I work for a nursing agency.
I get on pretty well with my ex these days and the kids are great.
I guess I feel pretty isolated and down most of the time. Bloody exhausted too!
I don't have any close friends and my family are older people living in the UK.
It all sounds a bit miserable when I write it down and I'm not entirely sure whether I'm depressed or not.
Typical bloke, never go to the doc's.
Anyway, here I am and hello to all.

[Aaronsis]

Hello Blackrabbit

Great that you have found the forums and found a place to say hi, to reach out if you need to and just get some support. We are here to give you some comfort as I am sure raising three kids essentially on your own is no mean feat....you should feel very proud of you, parenting is not easy.

I saw you mentioned that you are a typical bloke in that you don't go to the doctors, if you feel you are kind of not sure, just keep an eye on it and if you are not sure perhaps make that appointment and get a check. There is also the K10 checklist that if you are not sure you could do and see how that turns out:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety-and-depression-checklist-k10

Welcome and come chat anytime, let us know how you are going or feeling or whatever really, as much or as little as you want to share.

You are among friends here.

Hugs

AS

[Blackrabbit]

Many thanks for your reply AS.

And also thanks for the k10 link.
Its difficult to answer those questions honestly, I guess I'm a little afraid of the result.

I know I need to face up to it and get some help. I think signing up here is my first step in truly admitting it to myself.

Thank you again and have a lovely day!

[Aaronsis]

Our pleasure Blackrabbit

Come back and chat anytime, and hope you have a lovely day too, even find something to make you smile.

No pressure with the K10, you can do it another day when you feel a bit stronger, this is your journey so you do what sits well with you.

Hugs

AS