New member introduction.

[loubee]

I think the last time I signed up to any message board was when I was 15. So please bear with me, I'm basically new at this.

I'm not sure how much we're supposed to share on here, so just a quick intro for now I guess. I'm a 33 year old single Mum of 4 children aged under 10. I've battled with depression, anxiety and PND in the past but honestly thought it was behind me. Once it hit me that I was experiencing those feelings again though, I still can't for the life of me pinpoint when and why it started again. All I know is that I feel like I've felt this way forever and I'm starting to lose hope that it's ever going to get better.

I think that's enough for an introduction. Hopefully not too much of an overshare. Thanks for reading, and it's a pleasure to "meet" you all.

[Quercus]

Hi Loubee and welcome to the forums,

First off I figured I'd reassure you that your post is absolutely fine. It is a huge step even to start writing! It is ok to be new to forums and unsure... we're a pretty relaxed lot here. You'll find your feet in no time.

Far out... four kids under 10! Exhausting! I'm about the same age and have a four and an almost 6 year old and I just want to sleep so to me you sound like supermum!

It must be extra hard on top of all the stress of being a single parent to find your symptoms have returned. What sort of supports do you have in place for yourself?

I'll leave it there for now. Just wanted you to know there are loads of people here juggling mental health concerns and family so there is plenty of understanding and care here for you.

Nat

[loubee]

Thank you for reading and replying.

Honestly, one kid or 6 kids, I think it's exhausting no matter what! Mine are 7, 5, 3 and 2.

I have no supports at the moment. I last saw a counsellor probably 2 years ago when I was suffering PND, but that's an entirely different matter to what's going on now. I was linked in with the local DV services s little after that but that case closed about 10 months ago. I'm working on trying to get something organised again but I'm lacking all motivation.

Also my 4 year old has recently been referred to counselling as his kindergarten feel he's showing signs of anxiety. It might sound silly but at the moment I don't want to overshadow the importance of him getting the help he needs with my own issues, if that makes sense?

[geoff]

Hello Loubee, and a warm welcome to the forums.

You have 4 young kids and it is a complex and definitely a demanding situation you're in and with your 4 year old being referred to counselling must mean you are taking on this responsibility, especially as you've suffered from PND which can raise it's ugly again, although I'm not qualified to say but know from experience.

The reasons maybe different from last time when you were trying to cope with 'domestic violence' and PND, but this illness has a wide range of reasons and it's still PND, again only mentioning this from experience.

Being a young mum is a 24/7 hour day and how you are feeling can happen at any time, I just wonder whether you can find time to see your doctor when the oldest is at school, I know it's not easy but you also have to look after yourself, so are you able to make some friends where your 7 year old is at school.

Please remember you have many friends here you can talk to.

Take care.

Geoff.