I’ve dug down deep, guys. We’re shifting, we’re adjusting, we’re making it work, and I’m on board. As someone excited to come out the other side of this thing into whatever’s next I’m all in for shortening the isolation period as much as possible. I know we’re doing what we have to do, though, which means sometimes I’m over here holding my sh*t together for the kids.
But today, between us, let’s speak truth.
I’m not okay.
I seriously cannot remember the last decent night’s sleep I had. I’m guessing it’s been a couple of months but who knows, my brain is shot. It takes forever to get sleepy, I’ll wake up half a dozen times overnight, and if I’m lucky enough to actually pass out it’s usually an hour before my alarm. It’s getting a little zombie-like around here in the mornings, man. Then there’s the panic attacks. I’ve had some trouble with anxiety before but never like this. Never anything that catapults me out of bed gasping for air like I’m drowning. Sweet Jesus, the nights are long.
Plus the further we are into this homebound period the more high strung Phoebe’s gotten. At first I thought the kids being around was throwing her off, then I figured she was picking up on my stress. But now? Now I worry she’s just as sleep deprived as I am because this poor dog jerks awake every time I act like the world’s coming to an end in the middle of the night.
I know it won’t be forever but I’m just gonna say it. I’m not okay.
So many good ideas and suggestions here. Please make taking care of YOU a priority as much as the kids. Limiting my news watching and getting outside during the day helps me. I’m sending prayers and hugs for more peace in your nights and your days.
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Somehow missed this, JoAnna, but I appreciate your comment. Once the days cool off a little I’ll be able to do better about getting outside more. 💛
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Me, too. Looking forward to autumn.
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I feel you. Cliche but it’s okay not to be okay. Everyone has a different way to deal.
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I think it caught me off guard since I’d spent all these weeks generally feeling okay. Not *loving* it or anything, but okay with dealing. Definitely going to remind myself not to freak out about being not okay.
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I did the same. I was okay. Then the enormity of the situation hit me. I had a mini meltdown over a weekend. I felt better but guilty for not having it as bad as some. Yesterday it hit me again. In our virtual huddle, we did this quick share “what’s the first thing you want to do when we’re back in the office?” I said doesn’t matter that’s not going to happen. Oops. So much for positive Polly. It’ll happen I hope but right now it’s hard to see more than the moment. Wishing you peace and good sleep. This too shall pass ❤
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I think you’ve put in words what many of us are afraid to admit. I’ve had my share of little break downs. Shedding some tears in the privacy of the shower has become my release. Sure hope you find the strength to ride this chaos out. Maybe even writing this post helped you a bit.
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I think it did. Sometimes just saying the one big thing – especially that one big thing you’ve been trying so hard to shove down – is exactly what you need to relieve the pressure.
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I hope you can reduce your anxiousness during the night. I always try to think of something unrelated to the current situation. Dumb stuff like how would I spend five million bucks if someone gave it to me with the proviso that I had to spend it all in 24 hours. If I spent it all I would get ten million. Of course, I have to catch myself stressing over the spending. Stay safe, Laura and be kind to yourself.
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Thank you, John. Kindness is going to be more and more important the longer this goes on.
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And margaritas. Don’t forget margaritas.
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❤ ❤ ❤
This is a really testing time.
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It surely is. 💛
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It’s okay not to be okay. This too shall pass.
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Thanks, John. I try to remind myself that nobody expects me to have it all together, especially right now.
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Hugs
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Thanks, Carol. 💛
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Many people are feeling the stress. I hope you can get some decent sleep. Try to tire yourself out during the day, gardening or walking may help.
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True. Today’s cold and rainy so not very helpful but the next few days are better — I’ll try to get out more. 💛
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Take care.
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I hope you can find a way to get a good night’s sleep, Laura.
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Thanks, Dan. Eventually the body will just pass out, right? I can’t stay awake forever, for heaven’s sake.
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Naps – our dog loves it when I nap with her on the couch.
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I hear you. I seem to have a pattern: one day I’m hopeful and optimistic and the next I feel like it’s the end of the world. Going outside as much as possible helps. Hang in there!
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Thank you. I’ve been kind of up and down, too, but this last week has been mostly down. It helped to write about it. Good luck to you!!
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Funny you should say that! My daughter and I were just this morning talking about how many people are not sleeping and going through the same sort of thing. She asked me if had any lavender oil as that tends to help with sleep problems. (Yes, I do have some.) We then had a discussion about how many of her friends report the same problem. It’s the uncertainty of the times that is causing this. Hang in there. Try lavender oil, meditation, yoga, a hot bubble bath or whatever is calming for you.
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My daughter says she isn’t sleeping well either. It’s also why I’m not pulling my son out of bed before 11:30 if he doesn’t have an early class — all of us are off. Thanks for the suggestions. I think I’ll move my diffuser into my bedroom and try some lavender tonight.
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I’m so with you on this. Can’t remember having more than a couple of hours sleep in weeks. The dreams are just bad. Dragging this body around most mornings as if I was a side character in Shaun of the Dead. The brain is constantly racing and my heart rate has definitely moved up by 10 in these weeks. I’m missing the stuff like running that kept me sane. I hate being told to do stuff by people who are clearly over promoted and way beyond their skill levels. Thankfully My son and blogs like yours keep me going. Sending you a hug. x
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Thank you. 💛 Here’s hoping you get your runs back soon and things are closer to settling in your part of the world.
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I feel the same way! It helps me knowing that we aren’t the only ones! We’re all in this together! ❤ ❤
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True. It feels weird to say it helps knowing other people are having such a hard time, too, but it does.
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🙃💕💕
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Same, really stressful some days. Miss my family so much. Very anxious 😢
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I’m sorry, Paula. Sending peaceful thoughts your way.
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Nope, I’m not OK either, just doing my best to get through it all in one piece so we can pick up with friends and family once the peak has passed… it’s all we can do. Sending big virtual hugs, Laura ❤
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Thank you, Ruth. 💛
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I stopped watching or reading news other than Radio New Zealand, and avoid all news from the UK where I possibly can. I do Pilates and stretching every day. I am lucky to be working and spend my days focussed on my work tasks. But I have nightmares every night.
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I’m so sorry you’re struggling, too. Glad you’ve found ways to destress in the daytime.
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I am right there with you. I am not sleeping. I am not eating. I am stressed. I finally reached out to my MD. My brain is on overdrive 24/7. I have stopped watching any news. I feel like I am living in the twlight zone.
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I think twilight zone is an apt description. It’s kind of like floating through some alternate existence.
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