An Island...

earlgreygirl

I know that I'm dealing with a little bit of PPD, but doesn't anyone else feel stressed out taking care of their LO all the time?  I feel stressed every waking hour.  I never thought that being a mom would be the loneliest job in the world---I literally feel like I'm on an island M-F until my husband gets home.  I find it impossible to connect to other moms in story time hours, etc......I guess other moms have it all together and don't need friends?  Sometimes I just feel like putting my head down and crying because it is SO stressful being a mother---and the two mom friends that I do have are always so busy (and their kids are a little bit older) so I feel like they can't relate to me because my LO is 7 months old.      Anyone share these same sentiments?  

jocie2581

I sometimes feel the same way. I've taken a few classes in the area and the instructors ALWAYS begin by saying you will make life long friends. And I haven't yet. Are they all meeting up outside of class without me??

Karadee1

I'm sorry to hear. I do often get stressed and it can be overwhelming taking care of LOs. Some of that could be PPD in that you may be feeling these things more intensely than some others might. Don't be afraid to talk to someone about what you're going through, I know if helps me. Hugs mama.

earlgreygirl

Sometimes having such a demanding 7 month old makes me feel like I"m going to snap!  It's only 6am and I already feel stressed out.  

beccaxbooxbear

Being a SAHM to 2U2 I get those sentiments as well. I get overwhelmed with keeping up with the house, bills, errands, activities for ds1, yard work, laundry, cooking meals 2x a day. DH works a lot so I'm responsible for everything. It helps to treat myself to something I like. I hope you find something that helps you!

barista411

I can totally relate. I am also quiet and people assume I am stuck up. I am also on the younger side for having two kids and being a SAHM. I feel like most of the moms I meet are at least a decade older than me. DH is basically my only adult contact most days.

The few things that I have found that help me is having a schedule and getting out of the house some. Having a schedule helps me break down my day into smaller tasks. If I feel overwhelmed by my day I just focus on the part of the schedule we are at that moment. For example right now I am focusing on just getting DD breakfast then I will move on and focus on getting DS down for his first nap. Once that is done I focus on the next part of the schedule. This way I am only ever thinking an hour or two ahead and the next thing I know DH is home.

Getting out of the house helps me too. I take the kids for walks or go for a run. It gives us all a change of scenery and kills some time. I sometimes get overwhelmed by taking the kids to a store so just being outside where they get fresh air and if they get a little fussy they won't bother anyone is less stressful for me.

It does get easier. Now that DD can really play and talk makes it easier. We play soccer together or go to the park and she plays with the other kids. It takes some pressure off me that I don't have to entertain her or watch her constantly.

Hang in there. I hope you start to feel better soon.

[Deleted User]

once again, @barista411 I agree with everything you said.  I think we have very similar lives.  When we go out it seems like all of the SAHMs are older than I am and don't really socialize with me much.  I find myself talking to the nannies and babysitters that are taking kids out for the summer but then end up feeling awkward because they are still in college and much younger than me. 

OP, I'm sorry you are feeling this way.  I completely understand how easy it is to get overwhelmed, especially when you handle most of the baby care and house care.  I try to listen to music throughout the day because it really relaxes me.  I also try to make a schedule and check off things that I accomplish to make myself feel like I am getting stuff done.  I also keep a journal and I think that helps me a lot. I know it's hard, but try to take some time for yourself even if it means just putting on some music and dancing around the kitchen for a few minutes! Also, never be afraid to ask for help! 

earlgreygirl

Thanks ladies for all of your feedback!  It is waaaay tougher being a mom than I thought on so many levels!  I feel like I deal with a combination of feelings daily---everything from isolation, loneliness, stress, and sometimes envious of my single gal friends who are kid-less (to have the freedom to do whatever they want/whenever!)....but I know this is a choice my husband and I made--to have this beautiful little boy.  It's just SO tough on a daily or even moment to moment basis.  I wish my other mom friends would tell me that they feel the same way!