11/27/07 - Stressed is "Desserts" spelled backwards

 

Perhaps that's why it so hard to stay away from chocolate when I'm stressed out. :) When I first became a Stay-At-Home-Mom, I thought it might be repetitive and boring at times, but I never thought it would be as stressful as my job. Turns out, it's often much more so.  I think it's because of how absolutely dependent young children are on you 24 hours a day, and the knowledge that they're counting on you to fix it every time they're wet, dirty, hungry, cold, hot, bored, tired or uncomfortable.  Add an endless influx of household chores that never seem to be finished, and it can get a little overwhelming at times. 

 

I've noticed that it's really starting to get to me.  Lately I've had a couple days where I get to the point where I just want to throw something or scream, and it scares me because that's just not me.  I've been edgy, short-tempered, irrational and overly sensitive, qualities I absolutely despise in others, much less myself.  I've also been getting frequent headaches that trigger bouts of nausea, which doesn't help.  I finally went to a doctor to get my thyroid tested, because it's a common problem in my family.  The doctor agreed that it was too early for PMS and a little late for postpartum symptoms (although neither have ever been that severe for me).  She's still waiting on the test results, but in the meantime she suggested that it might just be the combined stresses of a new baby, a major move, traveling alot with two small children, adjusting to an unfamiliar climate, and getting ready for the holidays.  It sure sounded like a lot, the way she said it.  I've been in such a "get it done" survival mode, I never really thought about it.  My chiropractor says my neck is always so tight, he thinks massage might help.  If I had someone to watch the kids and Amanda would be willing to take breast milk from a bottle, I might try it.