Feeling completely overwhelmed

Hello coaches,
This is the first time I have attempted to make sense of my thoughts in a little while. I had my second child six months ago and have found the adjustment from one to two children extremely challenging. I am a little taken aback at how hard I have found it. I thought that after going through it once before I would be wiser and more grounded this time around but instead I have felt very impatient, out of control thoughts and emotions sometimes. I feel like my head is a tornado of emotion and tiredness.

I started back at work part time today and I feel like I am drowning. I’m so tired and feel like I am only just about able to cope with home demands let alone work demands as well. As I go through my inbox I feel more and more stressed and wondering how I will ever get on top of it all. I’m feeling irritable and snappy with my partner and also my work colleagues. I’m wondering when I will ever get any time for me. I feel completely overwhelmed. I know I am giving myself a hard time and do struggle with perfectionism. I’m struggling to see a way out of this heavy fog my brain is under!

Circumstance: Back to work after maternity leave
Thought: I am drowning in home and work demands
Feeling: Overwhelmed
Action: Struggle through emails, Cry, irritable with people around me, despondent, delete emails without reading them
Result: Make things harder for myself and do not do anything well

Answer:

Congratulations on your new baby. Postpartum is such a transition period that needs support. Going back to work is also a big transition. How does it make perfect sense that today feels overwhelming? What’s going on for you physically, mentally and emotionally. What’s happening in your heart?  What if it’s ok to struggle, cry and be irritable? What if deleting emails is the perfect thing to do?

When your brain is tired, it’s legitimately harder to do everything.  You can do models, but we recommend seeing what you can do to support your basic needs first. Day 1 might just be awful. Let it be.  But catch your brain when it tells you it will always be this way. Catch your brain when it’s not being kind.  Drowning people need help…thank you for reaching out. We’re here with you every step.