Overwhelmed Mom

[Lysbitt]

Hey everyone

First off, I’m a middle school teacher, have al almost 3 year old at home, and my husband is a trucker who is only home once a month. I’ve lived in this country almost 10 years, we moved across the country to a state where we knew no one in hopes of a fresh start. We have been here almost 3 years. I have met people through work and church so it’s not as lonely as it was.

I just don’t even know how to fix what is my life right now. I have so many responsibilities at school, things that I can’t change, school commitments, regular teacher stuff etc. I’m on my own with my daughter except once a month when my husband is home. I barely get an hour to myself, sometimes less. I feel like I get even less time with my daughter. We leave the house at 6:30am and frequently don’t get home until close to 6, then it’s dinner, and bed.

This weekend we had sewage back up in to the house, and urgent care visit for my daughter and tons of things that didn’t get done. Deadlines are looming closer and closer for things and I don’t know how to take a breath.

Sometimes I look st my life and wonder how they heck did I get here. Alone with a toddler, struggling to keep it together. I can’t even think straight sometimes. I’m just so tired and feel like I will never catch up.

Add in being very overweight and wanting to work on that, but I don’t hardly have time for the things already in my life, how can I add fitness, meal prep and all that in to it too.

I just don’t know what to do anymore. I’m on anxiety meds, the doctor thinks I have GAD which does not help anything in dealing with all this.

[Coralrose5]

I don’t know how to help you either, but it might be nice to chat on here? I have anxiety and depression myself.

[Olinick]

I am a teacher myself. When I was teaching in a middle public school I was also my parent's caregiver and doing it all alone. Although I was dealing with sick elderly people, I know what you are going through. Teaching is a very difficult job as it is. Then if you add to it caring for someone who isn't capable of caring for themself (a toddler or elderly parents) and trying to do it all alone, it is an extremely difficult and overwhelming situation. When times were really tough, the one thing I kept saying to others and to myself is, "Put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward." That kept me going through some very tough days. I did eventually cut back to half time but I wouldn't suggest doing that unless you are really desperate. Do you have any friends who would be willing to take your daughter for a few hours on the weekend once a month? That would give you a little bit of a break. Coming here is a good place too. People here will help or just lend an ear (keyboard) to listen. Hang in there.

[Esther228]

I am sorry that you are feeling so overwhelmed with life. It’s good to hear that you are going to church and seeking some emotional comfort. Have you thought about having someone from church help you with your daughter? Or maybe having a live-in caregiver? It might offer you an alternative and also help you with managing the day-to-day activities.

Have you talked with your husband about how all this is affecting you? Or are there other job options that would allow for him to be home with you? I know how difficult it is to be a ‘single’ parent. I am sure thinking of you and praying for the Lord to send you peace.