This week has been strange to say the least. It seems such a long time ago the kids were in school. It’s hard to believe it’s been just a week. We’ve been muddling through. My husband works for the NHS but is lucky to be able to work from home while I work part time in a pharmacy. I’ve been attempting to homeschool our three kids when not in work so my husband can get some work done in peace.
Between work, homeschooling, housework, blogging… It’s all just a bit exhausting isn’t it?
Work in the pharmacy is more hectic than it’s ever been. Trying to help patients while also being conscious we’re putting our own safety at risk. Social distancing isn’t easy in a dispensary. And yet I can’t complain. I only work part time. My full time colleagues have it a lot worse and I appreciate that.
On my “days off” I’m attempting to juggle the academic, physical and emotional needs of three children at completely different stages of their development. I’m simultaneously trying to keep my blog ticking over. But again. I can’t complain. My uni friends are on the front line as NHS nurses. I’m pretty sure they’d much rather be at home with their families. People are losing their loved ones. I can’t complain.
And yet… perhaps I can complain. Just a little.
Mental health is always a big talking point in our family. My husband has his own struggles and I’m passionate about supporting our children’s mental health. My eldest in particular has had an usual month with his last day of primary school passing without the usual celebration and we’ve encouraged him to talk about how he is feeling.
Sometimes it’s easy to neglect my own mental health. Not deliberately but the mum guilt is ever present. The feeling that I must just keep calm and carry on. People have it so much worse. I can’t complain. And while that is true, one person’s sadness doesn’t negate an other’s. I’m allowed to feel sad, overwhelmed, and worried. I sometimes just need to remind myself of that.
It’s ok to feel overwhelmed trying to juggle the needs of my family. It’s ok to dread going into work. It’s ok to be disappointed about cancelled trips and holidays. It’s ok not to be ok.
It’s not my job to be strong for everyone. It’s our job as a family to support each other. I’m lucky to have a wonderful husband who understands that. I had a wobbly moment this morning. I admitted I felt overwhelmed by it all. The days and weeks seem to be stretched out ahead of us and it’s the uncertainty of it all I’m struggling with. I just want things back to normal, but who knows what normal will look like when of us this is over?
In the meantime all we can do is look after each other as a family. Try and take the pressure off and accept help when it’s offered. I am lucky to have such a lovely little support system.
And for that, I can’t complain.
It’s really hard and strange time right now. Ihope it will notlast for a long. I would love to have an opportunity to work from home but I don’t and I’m a bit affraid about me and my family
I am a single mom who works from home and homeschools 3 of my 4 sons. But I’m not complaining either! I am grateful that even though my life was turned upside down a few years ago, I was able to keep on going without missing a beat. And I am so happy that I am blessed enough to be home with my kids, even though they sometimes drive me crazy, lol. Plus we have always loved the freedom of homeschooling. We have been able to do so much more in less time and use that extra time to do some amazing and fun things! The key is seeing things as an opportunity. 🙂
Yes, looking after our mental health is so important and I like what you say about it being a family’s job to look after each other. It feels like a whole new world we are in. Stay safe. Mich x
You are so right! I feel it is important to allow our kids to feel the let down they experience by this huge change we are ALL experiencing. As moms, we shouldn’t have to be strong all the time for our loved ones. They need to see that we can also be let down, and even though it is upsetting, we rise up in spite of those disappointments. And, as you said, we really can’t complain.
This is a time when everyone is overwhelmed. As humans anything out of order disrupts our thinking and balance. So yeah, it’s okay to complain a little but count your blessing s as well.
Just in case no one has ever said it yet, YOU ARE DOING GREAT. Sometimes, we really need to be strong not for our own but for others, especially loved ones. But honey, it’s okay to break down sometimes and let it all out. It’s like repleneshing. Trust me. And when you poured it all out, you’re back at it giving. Again, you are doing great. I admire you for your strength 🙂
I think the one thing that is getting me through is that I have such a good support system. These uncertain times are hard, especially if you struggle with mental health issues. Stay strong.
Excellent post. I love to see other people talking out about their struggles. At the moment all that is helping me through is Animal Crossing & Netflix. I’ve been stuck inside for almost 2 weeks & I’m going crazy already.
This such an important conversation to have. During times of crisis like this, we often find ourselves feeling like we can’t feel bad or feel like we’re struggling simply because others have it worse. I am guilty myself in just saying the other day that I shouldn’t feel stressed about finances because while my personal finances have taken a hit, my husband is still working fulltime during this. However, not having the worst situation doesn’t mean that my situation isn’t a challenge for us and that’s okay to acknowledge! Make sure that you make time to step back and recognize your own feelings – they are 110% valid, regardless of what they may be.
It has been such a strange week hasn’t it? Thank you for all that you are doing, I can only begin to imagine just how busy your pharmacy has been!
It is definitely a strange time, my husband is normally in the “chin up and get on with it brigade” but he is very worried, not helped by the fact he has lost his job. I am the main earner, which is a really strange dynamic
It is a really strange time at the moment and I think eventually most people are going to suffer with their mental health because we aren’t used to being told we have to stay home and there is a fear about going out. I think talking about it is really important and distractions!
Such an overwhelming and uncertain time that we are now living in. Be grateful for the little things each day and take care of yourself and your family. I have seen the best coming out of so many people.
Same here! But definitely thankful to have a family that supports us even though sometimes it doesnt seem possible.
I think a lot of people are going to have many more mental health struggles than they originally realized. It’s great to be able to recognize it in yourself and your family and yet, not everyone is that self-aware. It’ll be imperative in the coming months that we really learn to practice patience and compassion, within our families and with strangers.
Totally agree with you on that. Taking care of our mental health is quite important. It’s been a hectic week and I hope you all are safe.
Our lives have changed so much in such a short amount of time, but it feels wrong of us to complain about that or anything else.
Complain away! It has been such a weird week and I think we do need space to get things off of our chest. Yes some people have it worse but that doesn’t minimise your troubles.
I think it’s really good that you do have support. The way i look at it if you want to complain, go for it. It’s what i’ve been doing the other day and i don’t care what others say. Taking care of yourself is very important, especially your mental health
It ok to feel sad at times as these are very difficult times, we are humans. But the only way to feel better is to be grateful for whatever we have . I feel meditation helps a lot to keep your mental health intact in these times.
It’s okay to complain and feel upset and sad these times because it is strange. make sure you take care of yourself and find something enjoyable to do even for a bit of time per day to help you cope.
Hey, i am a health practitioner (Medical lab. scientist) too and it is really stressful working especially doing this period. Helping to save lives is all that matters and it is what we do. We certainly can’t complain.