Depressed or Just in a Rut?

Updated on April 22, 2010
V.J. asks from Phoenix, AZ
8 answers

For a couple of months now, I can't help but feel very down. I'm a stay-at-home mom to two boys (almost 3 & almost 4) so I'm not technically alone all day but I feel like it. I'm completely at the end of my wits with their constant bickering, breaking stuff, noisiness, potty training, and just general boy behavior. It sounds awful but I don't even feel like playing with them anymore because I'm so fed up. I love them so much but I feel like I just want them to leave me alone. I still take care of them of course but I feel exhausted by having to interact with them. Even the smallest thing becomes a frustration like getting them a drink they start fighting over who gets which cup. If I need to go to the store it always results in a public tantrum or an errand that could take 5 minutes by myself takes an hour so I rarely try to go anywhere with them anymore. Some days I don't even want to get out of bed because I dread dealing with everything by myself.

When I do get them to play by themselves in their playroom, I feel lonely and desperate for a friend... but I have none so I internalize all of my frustrations and sadness because there is nobody to talk to. My husband is my only friend and he is gone to work before I wake up and comes home at dinnertime. My friends from high school live in different cities/states and they never contact me. If I send them an email, text, or try to call them they either don't respond or come up with excuses to avoid me. I don't understand. I'm an intelligent and thoughful person. I don't whine or criticize and I'm always a good listener so why doesn't anybody want to be my friend??? Even my own sister and mom ignore me. I ask my mom to come visit all the time but she is always too busy to drive from Tucson even for a day. She never calls me, I have to call her. It makes me want to scream but cry at the same time. I've told my husband about this and all he says is that he doesn't know what to do. I go to work 2 afternoons a week and have asked two different coworkers with small children if they'd like to get together for a play date or go out for drinks without the kids, but they're not interested. An additional stress is that my in-laws who only live 10 minutes away can't be bothered to come visit with my sons and if my husband and I ask them to babysit so that we can have a night out, they're too busy yet when they need something from us, we always help out. I just don't get it.

I don't know if I'm just feeling sorry for myself or if I really have a problem but I feel very bummed out. Has anyone else gone through something like this? Sorry for the length of this post but I had a lot to get off of my chest, I guess. Thx.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

It could be any number of things! You might depressed, you might be tired, you might need a friend, or it could be medical! I would have a doctor check your thyroid and B12 levels. I would also try exercising as often as you can. Maybe join a mom's group like stroller strides, so you can take the little ones, or join a gym that has childcare (most YMCA's do).

As far as your "friends" go, it sounds like you need new ones. Join clubs for yourself to try to meet new people in similar situations as you. You will be able to develop friendships because you have things in common.

I guess you can't really get rid of your in-laws, but I would just stop trying to depend on them and find a good babysitter in your area. Also maybe don't be so available for them. Do what you can, but don't go out of your way to do anything unnecessary.

I know it is hard but you absolutely have to take time for yourself! Maybe sit down with your husband and explain to him how you feel and agree that for the hour after he gets home from work he is on duty so you can do anything and everything you want from getting your haircut to taking a nap or just going for a drive with no kids (and kids songs) in the car.

I have been depressed and I refused medication. There are other options if you don't want to be medicated! Exercise helps because it helps develop a positive image of yourself which will translate to the rest of your life.

Also, I went to hypnotherapy. Hypnosis kind of has a bad rap because it is used for comedy, but it did wonders for me and completely changed my outlook on life. Please feel free to message me, and I would be happy to explain my story and how it helped.

Stay strong momma, you will get through this!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from New York on

It sounds like you may just be having what I call a case of "the blues" or "I just feel blah". Of course, it could be something more serious so you might want to consider talking to your doctor.

In the meantime, I recommend you join a play group. The boys will have someone other than each other to play with and you'll get a chance to meet some moms.

Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Raleigh on

I too have 2 boys ages 3 and 5 and I know how you feel. I have days like that . The only thing I have some really good friends who are always there for me when I need them. Do not bother with your highschool friends......people grow older and grow apart....it is not the same anymore.
How I found good friends is look for moms groups in the area (Meetup.com), do not give up there will be many women out there who will treasure your friendship. You know when we just moved in the area, I started going to one moms group and there was one mom who I thought that there is no way we can ever be friends.....we are very different, but wow over the years she is the one who really stuck around. Even after moving away she still drives to come and see us.
You sound like a wonderful person, you really do :)
Now for the boys........they need to be doing things, they need to get out otherwise they go crazy. If you can afford put them in part time preschool. If you join any of those meetup groups they have playdates almost every day, they do fun things, go to funplaces you will definatly find some good friends like that.
I am not sure what is up with your family.......mine is all the way in russia.....I know it's hard without support.
My inlaws too live not far, but too busy .....boys have so much fun with them but times are very few.
If you need a penpal friend, email me :) ____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Phoenix on

My heart goes out to you.... even though we're not in the same situation, emotionally I've been there. I'm not a SAHM, but I do feel the everyday stress of working full-time during the day, then being a wife & mother in the evenings and weekends. Let me tell you, it is hard to keep friendships going when the things you had in common aren't so common anymore. I have friends with no children, so they have no idea what I'm venting to them about. My husband is really sweet and tries to understand me when I have one of my "breakdown" moments, but he can't bare the sight of me crying. Immediately he thinks he did something wrong, or that there's something wrong with me :-) Sometimes all you want to do is have a good cry, but can't find the right person to cry to. God bless my mother's heart, but the woman is such a worry wart so I try not to share everything with her. The two sisters I have are single, so I can't really talk to them about the married life or being a mom. And when I try to vent to them, they look at me as if though I'm some extra-terrestial being... but I still love them dearly. They do care about me, but have their own lives going on. But listen, if you ever need to chat send me an e-mail through this web site and I'll be glad to share my phone number with you. I can't tell you enough how much it helps to just "talk". Has your husband ever offered to watch the boys for a bit while you go out? There's nothing wrong with having some "me" time every now and then. Take care.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.O.

answers from Jacksonville on

I think you are in a rut, and need a "girls" night out. You are surrounded by pure testosterone and they are needy, rough, stubborn, etc, and I think you just need a moment where you can have some girly interraction. I have 2 sons and I feel the same way at times, though I work full time, and get a little space away. If you're like me, you do for others, meet their needs and when it comes to yours, nobody seem to care. You are a strong woman and they need you more than you need them, and the times that you need them, they don't have what to give, because they got it from you, so try to find someone stronger. You are more than welcome to keep in touch if you want - or if you are just going thru a blah day. I will send you my email address...

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.T.

answers from Lexington on

hello, dont feel alone i went through the same thing . i decided to join a gym i get up feed him breakfast , get my sweats on and go he goes to the daycare and i just put my mp3 player on and when i leave there my head is clear and i feel so energized that would be my advice , also you can email me anytime im also a stay at home mom . yes when youre husband gets home hes tired and doesnt understand yes mine is my bestfriend . but email me anytime !!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Join a mom's group or some other kind of group where you can meet people. My life began when I put my toddlers in a co-op preschool, where the parents helped out in the school. That became my social network.

I don't think you're depressed. I think what you're experiencing is very normal in your situation. You need friends.

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi V., I'm in Gilbert. I understand how frustrated you are and how overwhelming some things can be. I work full time (I own an insurance agency), married, 3 kids, house, 2 dogs, etc. I'm not sure if you are taking any kind of vitamin suppliment but my family and I have been taking one that is really great and I keep telling everyone about it since it's made such a difference for us. It's about $1 per day and worth every penny. Check out the website: http://www.YummyLiquidVitamins.com Also go to www.meetup.com and see if there is any local mom groups in your area. Let me know if you have any questions and I hope things get better for you!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions