Depression, burnout, and mom guilt

I’ve been the primary parent then single parent, bread winner, chef, maid, laundress, everything since pregnancies and now that they’re older (5+) I feel like I’ve hit a wall. A wall of exhaustion, depression, and I hate to say it, not caring. I still love them and would do anything for them, but I don’t want to play. I don’t want to color. I don’t want to listen to a 45 minute story that could be less than two sentences. My personal hygiene is disgusting. I used to be very nice and presentable but lately im lucky if I remember deodorant and rock a greasy mom bun. I used to be super mom. Activities, indoor and out, trips, play dates and groups, extracurriculars, if there was a modernized parenting book I read it, hot homemade meals and snacks, everyone clean and most of the time matching outfits. I’ve been working 12+ hour shifts, can only afford the childcare for then because my work helps, sleep an average of 4 hours a night, and I’ve gotten to the point I could care less if I’ve brushed my teeth before face planting in my bed. I know my kids deserve better. I want to give them better. My energy, motivation, virve, whatever you want to call it is just gone. I pick my kids up, drive home, make dinner that’s usually something frozen lately, help with homework, throw a load of laundry in, bathe the kids, do another load of laundry and doom scroll until I pass out. My one day off a week I sleep in until I can’t, go out with me and kids in pjs, go through a drive thru, do the grocery shop and errands, come home and do a half ass pick up because if I don’t it gets beyond unmanageable, dump the clean clothes from the week on the couch and the kids play with toys or watch tv with me while I tackle the laundry pile. Then rinse and repeat of do bare minimum for kids and pass out. I don’t have friends, I don’t have family, and their sperm donor forgot about them the moment he was no longer the center of attention.
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You are doing the best you can, I know it’s still a long way to go but keep hanging in there and those days will pass and the kids will finally will grow up one day, they would be so much graceful for what you’ve sacrificed to raise them up, even just at bare minimum. Stay healthy is key as you need to be strong to put everyone together. Have faith and you will get through this ❤️

I feel like it’s killing me. I’m not playing with them anymore, we don’t do anything socially but like through school, I’m not cooking good balanced meals anymore, I’m not even reading to them anymore. All I want to do is sleep and I feel so guilty.

Moms guilt is always there but you need to accept that you need the rest to tackle the workload during the day and maintain your mental health. Maybe check up with your GP if they might refer you to some sort of therapy or social support? Talk to the kids about how you feel instead of keeping it for yourself, they might not understand now but at least you can get something out of your chest.

I would contact home start charity for some support. Sounds like your an amazing mum just need some practical support

@Jay idk what home start is I’m sorry

@Ellen I have talked to them about it but they’re still disappointed. I haven’t gone in to great detail but have said how I’m tired, not sleeping, and so on and how much I need to do. I know it’s not on them and I hope I’ll get back to being a good mom. So far I don’t see a way out.

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