I was a young mum with a perfect baby. I was recently married and we had just bought our first house. Life was supposed to be perfect. But it wasn’t. I struggled with post-natal depression for about a year before getting help.
I got the help I needed and I’m very thankful to say I eventually came through the other side, but I’ve never been the same since. I’ve gained empathy on a new level and an understanding on mental health that I was too naive to have properly understood before.
Fast forward 10 years and here we are, facing what I feel has been my hardest trial yet- a global pandemic. Loss of our main source of income, home schooling 2 children with a pre-schooler added into the mix. At the end of week one of lockdown I burst into tears wondering how I would ever make it through. How I’ve now done 10x that length is beyond my comprehension!
I’ve seen that social media has become a place where people bash each other’s opinions depending on what would have been normal things- going to the beach, taking a child with them to the shop or sending their child back to school. There’s a huge divide across the nation over whether the government have done the right things. Everyone is stressed, anxious and on edge and it seems they’re taking it out on friends and even strangers online.
I’ve found that having some ‘me time’ is the only thing keeping me going. It’s virtually impossible as obviously I have 3 children at home 24/7 for the past 10 weeks and no family support. BUT it’s all about getting creative… even if it’s a window of sitting down with your favourite packet of biscuits in your bedroom, or going on a walk around the block with headphones in and your music blaring, or having a long bubble bath… time for just you is essential. I can normally get 10-15mins a day tops, but using them wisely- by stopping doing the washing up, folding the clothes, making the dinner, playing a game for the 1000th time and forcing myself to do something for ME in that time, then I can feel a little bit of a boost to keep me going.
Talk to others about how you feel. It helps massively just to talk. It doesn’t mean you’re a moaner, or a burden, or annoying. It means you’re human. Even though we can’t get help physically from a hug or a literal shoulder to cry on at the moment due to social distancing, talking to a friend can make a huge difference. Chances are they may feel what you’re feeling. Or even if not, talking to the right person can make you feel so much more positive afterwards.
Take each day at a time and take the small wins when they come. If no one had a fight before breakfast- that’s a win. Take it!
I’m hopeful after all of this- we’ll be stronger than ever before. To get through a global pandemic with small children is no easy business and takes all that you have.
We can do this.
Stay strong. ❤️
This post was written by:
Jasmine McCarthy
Caterpillar Music Basingstoke
Jaz is the owner and class leader of Caterpillar Music Basingstoke. She is a mum of three.
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