Monday 17 June 2013

Am I stressed?

I'm not going to lie, I'm not exactly the most relaxed person.

I can lose my temper quite fast, and can have quite a short fuse.

I am also a worrier, I am pretty much constantly worrying about some thing or another.

On top of James working pretty much every hour of the week and the arrival of Sam  I have found simple day to day tasks are getting on top of me, some days/weeks I can be fine, others not quite so.

Last week James said he was going to start a 3rd job doing take away deliveries Tuesday and Friday evenings, meaning we'd  only get Monday evenings and a few hours together on Saturday and Sunday. I think this is what tipped me over the edge.

Especially as the reason is because he's got to pay off some money which I didn't even know he still had to pay as I thought it had been sorted ages ago...apparently he'd been thinking his pay would go up from his main job with his parents (but we won't go into that).

I have been so worried this week too as my period was (and still is late), so worried I took a test which luckily is negative. As much as I think I'd love another child, I just don't think I could right now, I'm not ready, our house is too small, and financially we couldn't afford another either. Also I'd be annoyed as we have been safe (sorry too much info)!

But now I am worrying whether that was a true result, as I have never been this late before, even though we have been safe I am still paranoid it has failed us. But typically the more I worry the more likely I will be late!

Tonight I looked at symptoms of stress and I have more of the symptoms than I thought I'd have:

Stress Warning Signs and Symptoms
Cognitive SymptomsEmotional Symptoms
  • Memory problems
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Poor judgement
  • Seeing only the negative
  • Anxious or racing thoughts
  • Constant worrying
  • Moodiness
  • Irritability or short temper
  • Agitation, inability to relax
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Sense of loneliness and isolation
  • Depression or general unhappiness
Physical SymptomsBehavioral Symptoms
  • Aches and pains
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Nausea, dizziness
  • Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Frequent colds
  • Eating more or less
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Isolating yourself from others
  • Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
  • Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
  • Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)
Source

I have been eating so much more these last few months, I'm quite pessimistic, feeling lonely, overwhelmed, always procrastinate rather than do, always anxious, and my memory and concentration is awful these days.

I also have a stubborn patch of eczema on my hand that seems to be getting worse rather than better-which I also have found can be related to stress.

Tonight was the most stressed I have felt for a long time, a teething Sam all day, screaming most the afternoon, then I put the boys in the bath and could hear it pouring out onto the floor- our bath crack finally gave in-just before James was going out with his brothers and Dad which he never gets a chance to do. I got the biggest stomach ache afterwards which I am also sure was down to stress.

I'm giving it a week before I book an appointment I think, but hate the doctors with a passion, I never feel I can properly talk to them and always forget what I am going to say. But definitely need to get second opinion.

In meantime, how do you like to de-stress and relax?

6 comments:

  1. Hi sounds very much like stress to me.Do.you get out much? even just for a walk or to a local childrens centre they are great place to meet other moms and activities for children are free.Have you both sat down together and looked at your finances? Is there any way you can cut back? has your boyfriens spoken to his parents about paying them back in small chunks? they have grandchildren so im.sure they would understand.
    Your not pregnant stress can make your period late.If you did get pregnant you would find a way to manage trust me there is always a way.Does he need three jobs ? if in debt there are charities like step change that offer really good advice and write to creditors for you.
    There is no shame in going to doctors with stress they would totally understand do put it off.
    If I were you Id write a to do list to tackle the causes of stress.and soet them one by one.
    Relaxing I have a 6month old baby ans like you Im a sahm mom and a worrier about the similar things you do I read walk knit and fall asleep and try to go out twice week for company as hate been stuck in house on own.Cut yourself some slack and give yourself some credit.Take care.

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    1. Out quite a lot for playgroups, friends and walking to playgroup. I don't drive so often getting lots of fresh air.
      We have borrowed money off them before, and although we paid it back it always seems to be brought up time and time again!
      Luckily I am not pregnant-woo hoo! But boy that was a long wait!!
      Thanks for that step change advise-I will have a look at it. The 3rd job is going to be very temporary I think (and hope).
      Thanks, and you x

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  2. Hey love - your period could be late because you're stressed? I know mine is very sensitive to my state of mind.
    xxx

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    Replies
    1. Thankfully, 10 days late today. It's never happened before I'm normally like clock work! Grr stupid bodies lol xxx

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  3. Having two small children is a challenge. Add on to that a partner that is working all hours, a late period and the bath crack and yes, I'd say you're probably stressed!

    I am a writer downer. I make lists. Even if I don't get to tick anything off it still helps me feel I am keeping control of things. My blog is my other means of trying to destress/ relax. Not that I get alot of time to do much on it these days!

    I do hope you keep your appointment with your doctor. It is good to register how you are feeling if nothing else. They should definitely be able to give you some cream to help with the eczema. Hope things improve soon. xxx

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    Replies
    1. I feel bad complaining, especially as it's James working all hours (although in fairness two small children is classed as a 24/7 job in my opinion)!
      I used to be a list maker, and think I must get into that habit again!
      Thanks, not made it yet, but WILL do it this week (it's only a minute walk from Alex's preschool anyway). Thanks xx

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Thanks for taking the time to comment :)