I get it, OP. I went through this a couple of years ago and I'm still somewhat dealing with the shifts in family, relationship with DH, etc. Things that have helped me:

Took up two hobbies that I love that I didn't have time for when my kids were little. They bring me a lot of joy.

Started volunteering for two local organizations I respect. One gig is more operational and not super time consuming while the other is more interactive/hands-on and makes me feel good about my contribution.

Planned lots of fun stuff for DH and me to do together.

Good luck!

suzu wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly my issue is mental exhaustion at this point. Sometimes I want tu run away and only want to care for myself and my cats. I have nothing to give and force myself out if convention and guilt.

go!
take a weekend!
go to the woods
or to a beach in the bahamas

massive suerte

Going away even for an afternoon is more upsetting to me because I come back and it feels worse and more depressing. It feels like "oh, freedom was amazing and now I'm not free". I am just over being a caregiver to all.

Anonymous wrote:Honestly my issue is mental exhaustion at this point. Sometimes I want tu run away and only want to care for myself and my cats. I have nothing to give and force myself out if convention and guilt.

go!
take a weekend!
go to the woods
or to a beach in the bahamas

massive suerte

Honestly my issue is mental exhaustion at this point. Sometimes I want tu run away and only want to care for myself and my cats. I have nothing to give and force myself out if convention and guilt.