Exhaustion/Depression? Need a break

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I am a single mum to 2 daughters aged 10 and 2. My eldests dad has her every other weekend, my youngests now and again (maybe a few hours once a month, or overnight once a month).

I work part time, 24 hours a week, have just finished an Open University course and am hoping to go to university in September to study nursing.

But, I feel exhausted all the time. Am suffering from headaches/migraines pretty much every day. Am not sure if this is down to just being exhausted or maybe a touch of depression (have had a lot go on in the past couple of years and although I dont feel, or havent felt depressed, just admitting to myself that I may be depressed is actually making me cry so maybe there is my answer!)

I dont want to go and see my doctor just yet about it as I need him to complete my occupational health form for university and dont want anything to get in the way of that and one of the questions is about depression (although in all fairness I think my depression could be expected as I have lost my son and brother in 2 years).

What I really want is to go to bed and sleep for a week but that is highly unlikely! My eldest is going away for a week with my dad and his wife in the summer holidays but they dont have much to do with my youngest (dont ask!) so never really get a break from her and I just need a break as my reserves are pretty much empty.

Any suggestions please??

Thanks

escortg3

Sorry to hear about what you have been through.

All i can suggest is perhaps put the youngest into a summer playgroup when the oldest is away for a week and have a rest, or try and find a child minder for a week.

Sometimes we all need a break from little ones so dont feel bad about it.

the_cat

Go and see your doctor. It might be depression, but it could also be a physical thing. Extreme tiredness and headaches like you are experiencing NEED to be checked out.

Darren_G

Delaying seeking professional help could only make matters worse. I suffered a major bout of depression in 2003, but only went to the doctor because the symptoms (constantly tired, occasional dizziness/blurred vision, migraines) all pointed to diabetes. Even then, I pondered for three months until it came to the point I thought it was having a negative impact on my relationship with my children.

The quicker you seek help, the better chance of a speedy recovery and less likelihood of a relapse.

skintstudentnurse

I appreciate what you're saying about not wanting to go to your GP about your possible depression, BUT if you do apply for nursing it is a very stressful and full on course. You need to be mentally as well as you can be. Occy Health are there to help you with any health issues you may have, to offer support not to say an outright 'no' to you starting the course. Please go to your GP, if anything it shows maturity that you have approached health care professionals to seek help for yourself. Good Luck



PS i know several qualified/ student nurses on anti depressants.

creditcard123

I am sorry you are feeling so low
Your symptons sound very familiar 14 years ago we moved house I started working full time we got married and my aunt(who raised me from age 3) died. All i wanted to do was sleep and was very tearful I also had terrible headaches I eventually went to doc and was told I was stressed I was put on anti depressants which I hated but they worked was on them for 6 months and have never needed them since
Go to your doctor even talking about how you are feeling helps

Darlyd

I want to be a nurse so badly too.. I went to Uni many moons ago but pulled out as it was just to much for me, I suffer BP2 and was just not stable, I don't think I ever will be 100% stable to take on all that work. My best friend qualifies this year, she too gave it up many moons ago but started again 4 years ago (she had to go back a yr) and has done so well, she has managed it, And I can't wait to be there when she qualifies. ME well I am now a care worker, full training provided with company. And am doing the odd course here and there like dementia, first aid and palliative care, I will one day work on a hospital ward and do all that nurses do except the paper work :)x

You need to get the depression sorted out, before you take on any extra responsibilities or you will just full. (as the saying goes, don't run before you can walk).

Sit back and work out what you can do to try and de-stress. And don't be afraid to ask those around you for help. If they cared they will help you.

And please go see your GP.

jetplane

My word no wonder you're exhausted. Working 24 hours, studying for OU degree and single parent to 2 children with minimal support. You are amazing and should be applauded :T I understand that you do not wish to have depression on your medical record, but I wonder have you sought bereavement councelling? I ask this because you mentioned the loss of your SON and brother as an aside, this must be devastating. It may be that you have not had time to grieve with so much on your plate and are supressing these feelings which manifest themselves as exhaustion, migraines, tension etc.

Bereavement couselling can help address any depression which you may have as well as helping you deal with grief and moving forward. It often takes people years to embark on bereavement councelling, but the difference it can make can be tremendous.

Do you have Sure Start in your area who can help you with some childcare or activities for your youngest so that you can rest whilst your eldest is away?

Good luck :A