Hi Sarah J,
Welcome to the forums and thank you for having the courage to reach out. Your situation sounds like a lot to deal with and I really feel for you trying to manage everything alone. I have not had children but I have been dealing with major depression for a long time so I do understand how life can make you spiral downwards in times of stress. Firstly, are you utilising the help lines (Beyond Blue or others) on your bad days? When you are not coping, it can take a bit of pressure off to talk to someone about how you are feeling.
You are a very kind soul for taking in another young person with nowhere to go and I am sure that will go a long way to improving that young person's life now and in the future. I would also suggest that you give him/her the numbers for the help lines to talk things through which will take some of the burden off you trying to manage on your own.
So by the looks, you still have 3 teens at home, are the older children still with you also? Can you call on them to give you a breather now and then? Perhaps to go out and enjoy a walk along the beach or see a movie, something that will give you some personal fulfilment?
Have you had any counselling yourself to help you manage your depression and anxiety? You are dealing with a lot so this could be helpful. It does not need to be a specialist if you can't afford one, perhaps a social worker or group counselling nearby.
I hope this has been of some help and please feel free to continue the conversation, we will be here for you, you are not alone.
Take care,
indigo22
