I’m on maternity leave for the next 6 months to a year and I don’t know how I am going to do it. I’ve been off for 3 months now and at first the time off was great, was getting involved in everything with my children. Then the baby came and that was hectic but finally settled now into a routine and I find myself getting really depressed. When all the activities and jobs are done, children are in bed or even throughout the day when it’s just me and baby with everyone else at work and school I feel really anxious. I don’t know what to do with myself. I look after the baby and clean the house but I’m so used to being busy with work it is hard for me. I have no goals at the moment or anything to work towards. Kind of just floating around... i am so grateful I get to have this time with my baby and I do love having the time with him. I don’t know why I feel this way? :( my husband tells me to just relax but that doesn’t help. I don’t have many friends either most work during the day anyway when I have the most free time..
4 Replies
Go out. Joim playgroups. Arrange little leet ups for coffee or walks. Plant a garden. Do try to relax and enjoy it since you know its limited. If you feel anxiety, face it and deal with it. Keeping busy to avoid it doesnt fix it, thats a symptom.
I know exactly how you feel.. when I went on MAT leave I found it hard to switch off from work and being involved.
I had really hard babies too so while I was on MAT leave trying to get out was so hard.. but all I wanted to do!
Find a rhythm of what works for you! Be kind to yourself- it is ok to float. Maybe this is your new goal. Learning how to float. Maybe set a goal or two of it will ease this for you.
Funny now my kids are school aged I’d do anything to be a SAHM as the after school activities are such a juggle even with part time work..
I think when we work we have a sense of accomplishment, finishing the tasks, finishing the day even. As a parent its infinite, we can't see an end but just know your not alone in feeling this way, my son has complex medical issues and on days where my phone hasn't rung once i feel more anxious than ever, i question my life what I should be doing and how to fill the time. I've found whenever I get out to walk through a park or the beach with my kids I feel much better afterwards, its exercise and the sun really improves my moods, I hate dirt but even gardening is a nice outlet and afterwards I always think 'i need to do this more'.
This was me!
I went back to uni, was lucky that what i wanted to do was offered mostly online (i spend 2 weeks a year on campus) I study when my sons asleep, feels good to keep the brain ticking and knowing I am working towards something just for me.