Is this depression? or do I just need a break?

[Anonymous]

I could have written this myself. I don't know. I thought it would get better when restrictions lifted where I am and summer came and we are recovering some bit of normalcy, but it hasn't. If anything it has gotten worse. I find no joy in anything, the best I can do is relief when some chore or task is taken from me. Turning into anxiety too -- every morning I wake up with a pit of dread in my stomach, but why? Nothing is wrong with me, we were lucky to make it through the pandemic relatively unscathed.

I am seriously considering making an appt with a doc for some meds. I don't think this is normal.

[Anonymous]

I was in a similar boat. I am able to work alone in my home while the kids are at daycare / camp, but I was still so incredibly burnt out and a mixture of numb, annoyed, and sometimes anguished.

What finally helped was *exercise.* I wake up before everyone 2-3x a week and go run or go to a gym. I found a workout buddy in another mom via the neighborhood listserv and we’re keeping each other motivated. It’s miserable to get up and do it but it makes such a difference.

I didn’t think I could ask my DH to make space for this. But it got bad enough we needed to do something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We aren't supposed to live like this.

+1. Exactly.

[Anonymous]

Adding to what has been suggested, has this happened before or is it new?

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. I hope that you start to feel better soon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hey OP I have a miserable day everyday especially since the pandemic started. Tantrums dishes tantrums work whining snacks whining conference call bath time tantrums cleaning work sleep.

If someone walked up and shot me I wouldn’t give a shit. A break won’t help everyday will just be shit.

Yep. Same here. Sprinkle in various zoom “therapies” for my one child with special needs and probably many more tantrums and I’m in the same boat.

[Anonymous]

Having had depression, to me this sounds like understandable burnout. In my case, the feelings of sadness were overwhelming to the point that it impacted my sleep patterns, ability to eat, my ability to work and my personal relationships. Having said that, I do think you should take some steps to feel better so that you don't continue to go down a bad path mentally. Speak up to your spouse about what you need, which may be as simple as a weekend away at a hotel for a recharge (do the same for your partner). If you continue to feel overwhelmed, tell your doctor and he may recommend a mental health screening. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Welcome to the thunder dome. That is what life is.