Day 62 Continued - Noticing when I am starting to feel mentally unwell

Maybe it’s more than it just being the season of my life right now.

🦋🦋🦋

If you saw my Reel from earlier today, you would have seen me talking about being kind to myself around timeframes or cancelling plans. But what I am also feeling into today is whether there is something more going on, because withdrawing from wanting to be around people and not leaving the house is a symptom of being mentally unwell for me.

About the six week mark is a bit of a danger period for maternal mental health. Typically, partners have gone back to work, outside support has lessened and the stressors of everyday life start to pile up.

Two weeks ago, I started to feel a little bit out of my body again; I started to feel a bit withdrawn.

Boom. Danger period!

Jess, have you taken on too much? Are you putting too much pressure on yourself?

I knew in my bones last week that we would need to start looking at additional care for Mr F. 1-2 days a week with family didn’t feel enough anymore.

I can’t do it.

I can’t maintain the energy required for a toddler and a newborn. I can’t do it on minimal sleep or on poor nutrition (this is a story for another time).

I feel 💫 tired 💫 and 💫 overwhelmed 💫. I feel 💫isolated 💫.

So I am taking action.

This morning we looked at a school for Mr F. He loved it. And he can start right away. Looks like we will be getting him in within the next few weeks.

One day a week of him practicing a different kind of independence feels good to me. I need space to breathe, be, create. I need him to have his needs met, I need him to be able to be challenged and enjoy himself. I want all the things for him that I just can’t provide right now.

Because at this stage if I don’t get more help, I will crack.

Thanks for letting me share this afternoon everyone, it feels hard. And yet, it is also a #BearMode afternoon making everything feel so so much harder.

If this is you, or you have been where I am, I am sending so much love to you.

#90EmotionalDays#Day62 #Motherhood#Matrescence#MumOfTwo#SecondTimeMum#FourthTrimester#MyFourthTrimesterProject

Image Description: I am standing up looking at the camera in the bathroom holding Miss E breastfeeding. I am wearing an orange dress and and orange headscarf. Miss E has on a white onesie with red flowers.