On Tuesday night I sat in my bath and cried. The kind of ugly cry you do when you are just done with being strong and putting on your game face. Earlier that day I sat in Foxie’s room, watching Richie play with him and I felt this intense sadness. The words I am profoundly unhappy actually came out of my mouth. It should have been a beautiful moment but there I was, just completely disconnected and unable to see past my feelings.
Reading my posts and passing me in the street, you likely would have no idea I was feeling this way (I am good at the game face, usually). I am one of the lucky ones – I live in a beautiful country with an amazing kind fiance and three adorable healthy kids. I have a job I enjoy, a lovely place to call home and food in my belly. I know how fortunate I am, which makes the way I have been feeling even harder to understand.
I don’t know exactly when it started but for a long time I haven’t been myself. I had been putting it down to being tired, but really, how long can you use that excuse for? Some days are easier than others, I do feel joy and happiness, I love my little family like mad but the hard days are really hard. My temper is out of control, my patience is non-existent and it really isn’t fair on anyone close to me.
So this week I am going to ask for help from a professional. I am going to nap more when Fox naps, take a breath before I deal with stressful situations. I am going to try and exercise more in the hopes that some positive endorphins will assist me. I will put my phone down more and be in the moment. I am going to put myself first.
I have um’ed and ah-ed about sharing this post. I still don’t feel 100% at ease with it, maybe because I don’t like asking for help. Possibly because there is still a stigma around mental health. Likely because it makes me feel weak and vulnerable acknowledging that I have a problem. Regardless, here we are – me putting my heart on my sleeve and promising myself publicly that I am going to see someone about this. Hoping that if you are feeling the same way, even remotely, that you will too. Sometimes, asking for help is the bravest thing you can do.
Rosie xx
nothing wrong with asking for help, you got this! we can only wear our game faces for so long, right?! 😉
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Thanks so much for sharing. I too am one of those brave face mummas. This is my first bub and i was not prepared for the onslaught of emotions that keep streaming through day and night. When i bump into people and they ask how much am i loving being a mum? Well i pretty much bold face lie. Yes i love her, yes its amazing but its also bloody hard! Im having trouble with her sleeping (mainly staying asleep!) and it is breaking me down night after night. I finally cracked at 4am last night and hubby stepped in to hold babe while i just sobbed and sobbed. I pretty much felt like a failure and terrible mother because i couldn’t soothe her. In the bright sunlight of the day and after a good hot shower i know this isnt true. But i realise this cant go on and my mental health is on the line
Asking for help can be the hardest step but if i dont take it i feel like ill miss out on this precious time because im too busy feeling frustrated and depressed. I think its time to see my GP to get checked out.
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Thank you so much for sharing this post! I have struggled so much over the past 2 years and it really is so important to ask for help.
It was a shock to admit out loud that I wasn’t okay but it was an important step to getting help and healing.
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