Coping with Stress

Sometimes i think that we just take on way to much. With that said I am in therapy. I also refuse to take medication I feel as though it masks whats really going on the issues are still very much there. (that is just an opinion ladies- I dont judge any one for it- Its just not for me). But honestly I think that it feels so good just to vent to a person who just listens and only offers advice when asked. I was and still am suffering from pretty bad anxiety but its helped emensly. You may want to try it. Good Luck to you.

Eating foods rich in lithium could help you tremendously. Also, focus on vitamins and nutrients that help to relieve stress from the body.

Try a kickboxing or TaeBo video. It's great for releasing pent-up anger or frustration. It's so exhausting that even if you only have 10 or 15 minutes you'll feel like you kicked some imaginary butt.

Hi G.,
Boy does it take ALOT to admit how you feel. As mothers we feel as if we must be perfect all the time. Especially as mothers of large families. People always tend to judge mom's of large families anyways so we have added pressures in our lives.

Then if we mention that we homeschool it tends to make them assess our sanity even more! Though our job is a mom, teacher, friend, lover , wife, etc., etc., etc., is what we have chosen it can take a toll on us. I know how much you love your family. You must take time for yourself & your relationship with your husband.

Here I am saying this & haven't had a date night with my hubby in 15 mo., due to baby with milk allergies is still BF. And I feel AS IF no one can take care of her as I. But to keep our faith, love & sanity we must keep ourself in the best shape possible & that means stepping away for a moment, if only for a few hours, let our children miss us, appreciate all we do, get some one-on-one with our husband, let him spoil us & then have our kids run up & say "mommy I missed you!" It is all worth it right? I hope I have helped & please realize you are an awesome mom & wife! Warmest regards. G

G., If I may interject a few things. I'm a mother of 5, one of which is developmentally delayed, another who died in an accident at age 16, and the wife of a stage 4 melanoma survivor. I have 3 grandchildren now. My last child is now 20. I started my married life as a SAHM and midway, with 4 children from ages 9 to 1, felt impressed to get through college to complete a degree. I did, for obvious reasons, experience depression on several occasions and did take medication and sought counseling at times to help get over the mountains. God and Jesus have been my friends, and while the scriptures help and faithful following are important, there is no doubt you need help. And I don't mean you're crazy and you need help, I mean the king of help people give to one another. When we made the decision for me to go back to school, my husband pitched in and hung clothes on the line. That decision to return to school was prompted by a God who cold see around the corner and knew I was going to have to work at a job that would allow me time with my family. But my husband saw and knew he had to help. I only had five, not eight. But I've known people who have eight and more and the key is that their marriages are teamwork. Very few men go to work and have eight individuals for whom they are constantly responsible to teach, lead, guide, and referee. If the head of a corporation, they are working with adults who acknowledge their own responsibility for their jobs and roles. Your children are being taught, grown, and nurtured constantly but you sound like your are getting very little replenishment to give so much. Did you say your husband is both a pastor and an attorney? He has to be busy if so, but he is not perfect just because he does one, the other, or both. Much has been said about what you can do for yourself, but little about what he can do for you. The commitment to have 5 children lasted 30 years for me and my husband. The oldest was 14 when the youngest was born. I am still mothering the developmentally delayed child. It was not the Divine plan for mothers to do it alone. Though he may be tired after work, perhaps your spouse needs to add not just date night which is for you and him, but Mom's Night Out, which is for you. Consider a kid-free zone if you don't actually leave, to pursue a refreshing interest and have him keep the plates spinning for a while. Also, we had quite time every afternoon when smaller ones napped and older children read. Nurturing people also need nurturing! My thoughts and prayers go out to you. This time, though intense, will seem short when you are where I am. That will not diminish your need for help.

Check out this website: www.wilsonstemperaturesyndrome.com. It could explain a lot. Email me if you have any questions.

It does not sound like there will be an magic formula for a gal who is homeschooling 8 children under 11! What a brave soul you are! The only thing that's gotten me through the ups and downs in my stressful life has been to find a few minutes in the morning to pray and read my Bile, and turn everything over to the Lord, then turn all the loose ends over to him before I go to sleep at night. When children or the elderly relative I cared for were with me, they were often in the room. One friend, with 8 children, used to get in her rocking chair with her Bible and the children knew she needed a few minutes to commune with God, and they were to leave her alone short of an emergency. When I cared for preschool grandchildren, they knew I had to have my devotions before there could be any TV or other noisy activities. Also, try to arrange some time with other moms each week, and the children can be present. You need to talk to other women! Organizing the kids to do chores is something a homeschooling family of 6 small children (incl. triplets & twins who are boys) I know does. The chores are part of their routine. It keeps them busy, helps out, and teaches them skills and responsibility. Try to build some fun into each day - a picnic on a blanket on the floor, an art project, an active game or two, a sing-along with rhythm instruments etc. Perhaps you are adding more stress by expecting too much of yourself and your family - I do that a lot but maybe you don't. God bless you, G.! Hang in there! One day you'll look back and laugh - if you survive!

I hate any kind of medications myself and stear completely clear of them unless absolutely necessary...like my thyroid medication. Have you had that checked? An overactive thyroid feels like a constant adrenaline rush (not in a good way) and makes you feel very irritable. This may not be your problem, but if it is...mediaction is the only way to stabilize it. It is a simple blood test by your doctor. It's just one idea. Best of luck

Greetings Dear G.,

My love and blessings go out to you! I truly feel for you. You have got a lot going on. Homeschooling is a big responsibility. I was a homeschooler of three. You're a homeschooler of eight. I commend you on this magnificent task!!! If you don't already have someone helping out with the house, meals, or school routine get someone ASAP.

Homeschooling can be a 24/7 thing. If it is for you, try some creative ways to get your children to learn. Once a week or once a month you can have Music Appreciation Day. Play your favorite music or different kinds of music. Have the children write a composition, poem or a story about music. For the children that don't write have them color while listening. Or try something else that will free you up a little bit. You can also check the web to what other homeschool families are doing.

Some wholistic suggestions I have for you about the rudeness and inability to sleep are:
Try drinking more water if you already drink less than 62oz. of pure water daily.
Stand in front of a sunny window as often as you can during the winter months. Lack of sunshine can cause you to feel down.
Soak in a hot tub at night.
Listen to your favorite music.
Do more things for yourself that bring you joy.
Write down what is bothering you. Write your first sentence down and when you finish that sentence write over it. This way no one will be able to read what you have written. Continue writing in this fashion until you have written down all that you can think about. When finished tear it up. This should make you feel better. If not you may need to seek professional help. You may have a medical problem.

Wishing you and your family much joy and success.

Joy, love and peace,
S.

Dear G.,
I encourage you to take care of yourself. Us moms keep pushing and pushing until we have nothing left to give. We aren't good for anyone else if we don't care for ourselves! What that might look like is different for everyone. Perhaps it is a daily walk in the quiet neighborhood just to gather your thoughts and pray; or maybe a 5 minute meditation to start your day. I too homeschooled for 11 years (but only 3 kids) and there were some days when the stress was running high - if you are in it for the long haul, you may need to put the brakes on some things and add in breaks for yourself.
Manresa Jesuit Retreat House is in Bloomfield Hills and they offer "quiet retreats" that you can set up individually - this includes full use of their grounds, chapel and you get a bedroom with bathroom for your use for the day for $25 (lunch included); perhaps you need something like this to regroup and recharge. We need to refuel from time to time to remember why we are doing what we are doing and what is most important.
For me, when my kids were young, an hour or two at the fabric store did me wonders - just walking through and creating in my head different things that I could do with all those fabrics was therapy - the smells, the colors and all the creativity. Or going to a bookstore could also be great for my soul too!
Enjoy and take time to breathe and reflect.

I've had struggles like this at times.. I can imagine with 8 children under the age of 8 and homeschooling life would be stressful.

I find for me I HAVE to get out by myself fo even an hour every once in awhile it helps. I usually will get a nice latte and journal or read the newspaper.. anything that I can feel is about me and relaxing.

I went through about 3 days of anger and frustration a couple weeks ago because I felt so stressed and overwhelmed.

It helped to talk it out with a friend, get out by myself and cry for a few hours. : (

Hope you find something that helps... do you have a friend that can pray with you/ for you?

G., are you able to exercise (you say you don't have time for yoga -- do you have time to walk?)? How 'bout an epsom salts bath before bed? A good diet helps, watch your carbs and sugar (spikes in blood sugar followed by crashes can affect your mood). You may need to talk to your doctor about these things: Are you taking a good multi-vitamin? Maybe some Omega 3's. And something like SAMe or DMG (which is "poor man's SAMe", it's a pre-curser to SAMe in the body) or 5HTP might be helpful. Please do your own research and consult your doctor before adding any vitamins or supps to your day. I'm not a doc. Just a mom.

Dear G.:

You are a giver, and if you have lasted this long and done this much, you must be a bit organized. IS EVERYONE CRAZY, how can you possibly make time to jot a note, take a walk, get some exercise allow yourself to do these things, when it has taken you 8 kids and running a household and being a full time teacher, and being a full time wife, and having a full time job. How many people do you know, that have 8 children to care for, teach a full time job, take care of the house full time, have time for a date night, be a full time chief, do the grocery shopping, get the kids dressed, cleaned, and stay on top of your mental health and healing for yourself. SOMETHING HAS GOT TO GIVE. If you have lasted this long and now are coming up for air, YOU ARE WONDER WOMAN, and about to have a nervous breakdown. The breakdown is because you are doing everything. Thank GOD that you are asking for help, and even in the gentliest most kindest way, making sure that you are being kind without even mentioning anything about you until the bottom of the page.

I found out about myself, because I felt that I was going to break. It turned out that my daughter had ADD and we did not find out until the 6th grade. I found out that I had ADD in the process. That's why I kept adding on all the things that cause stress. I also had anxiety, and I am a giver, that what makes me happy. Unfortunately, I gave up everything that I loved as a child, teenager, young adult, before I got married, and then when I was married (which I have been with my husband - married for 20 years, and together 8 years before that). I have a wonderful husband, but being a giver, I had the energy and desire to do so and loved it. BUT, I did not give myself the caring. I am on a track to do so, and it starts with baby steps. I did take medication, and found that I never knew what regular people feel like mentally. The reason that I took on so much to begin with, as I had anxiety and was not able to relax in the first place, thus I created my own stress and anxiety by not saying no, living the crazy life, never a dull moment. 8 KIDS come on. Enough being said, your husband may be a great guy, but if you changed jobs for a day, a week a month, there is no way he nor ANYONE could handle what you have done and are doing.

MY RECOMMENDATION, would be first to get some medication, that will make you slow down, the anti-depressants (YOU CAN ALWAYS STOP), again the personality that I can take care of myself and do it my way (by the way, I felt the same way about medication, for myself and my daughter, but it was out of ignorance and not being educated. I then read Driven to Distraction and learned about ADD. I went to a great Psychiatrist, who treated my anxiety (the inability to slow down, the need to keep active, the need to be the one doing everything), then she treated me for my ADD. I can only say what has worked for me. I used to love sports, and got back into it. Doing something that I love. For you it could be reading, sewing, drawing, bird watching, whatever it was that you enjoyed before you found yourself dating, married and a mother. You have been who you are prior to getting married, and I'm sure that you were able to manage a lot, as a young girl, and had the desire to do so. What was your mother and father like, the apple does not fall far from the apple tree. Also we take on so much, to run away from ourselves. Givers love to feel great from giving, there is nothing better that feeling that you can be the one to help a lending hand, and be there for your children, BUT HOW COME YOU HAVE NOT BEEN GIVING TO YOURSELF? HOW COME YOU HAVE NOT BEEN GIVING TO YOURSELF, HOW COME YOU HAVE NOT BEEN GIVING TO YOURSELF? HOW COME YOU HAVE NOT BEEN GIVING TO YOURSELF. --- Yes you have 8 kids, a husband with two jobs, a girlfriend (DATE NIGHTS), a full time job (RUNNING THE HOUSE), a full time job (TEACHING), 8 full time jobs (PARENTING each child), and your not getting any sleep (I wonder why), there are only 8 hours in 12 hours in a day for keeping how many full time jobs? HOW ARE YOU POSSIBLY GOING TO KEEP ALL THOSE FULL TIME JOBS (if you had a time clock and had to clock in and out for everything you do (AND THEN, have ALL THE WORK THAT IS NOT GETTING DONE), without a full time staff, and then I mean full time staff with there assistants in check helping them out. YOU ARE RUNNING A COMPANY, more than one, with out staff, and then you are supposed to be in a good spirits, and getting sleep. HOW COME YOU HAVE NOT BEEN GIVING TO YOURSELF? HOW COME YOU ARE NOT GIVING TO YOURSELF? HOW COME YOU ARE NOT GIVING TO YOURSELF? Here the real problem lies. You cannot even think about this for one minute, because you are running HOW MANY COMPANIES? and why do you have the need to run these companies? HOW COME YOU ARE NOT GIVING TO YOURSELF?

First, of all you have to start somewhere, but where? Thus the anxiety. I never knew that I had anxiety to start with (THUS, HOW COME I WAS NOT TAKING CARE OF MYSELF!), how come I was a caregiver all the time? How come I was so spontaneous, how come I TOOK ON SO MUCH. I treated my anxiety (which I did not know that I had with medication, I treated my ADD, which I did not know that I had, and I treated my depression, which I did not know that I had, because I WAS HAPPY, I LOVED TAKING CARE OF OTHERS AND IT MADE ME FEEL GOOD, I was anxious, I never slowed down, I never TOOK CARE OF MYSELF, because I did not know any other way. NOW, I work out, I have gone back to work, I am happy (I've always been happy, or so I thought), but I WAS NOT CARING FOR MYSELF). My most important job (TAKING CARE OF MYSELF); was not one of my CORPORATE COMPANIES.

My kids are much happier, I have my date night (which I might add, is no fun with all your responsibilities on the back burner), because you have overloaded yourself.

WHAT IF YOUR KIDS ALL OF THEM, WERE IN SCHOOL, DAYCARE, WHAT IF YOU HAD A FULL TIME MAID, WHAT IF YOU HAD SOMEONE TO DO ALL THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF RUNNING COMPANY (your home), TAKE CARE OF YOUR HUSBAND (emotionally, and sexually), WHAT IF YOU HAD NOTHING TO DO? WHAT WOULD YOU DO? WHAT WOULD YOU DO? WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

WHAT WOULD YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO DO? WHAT WOULD YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO DO?

That in itself, would probably be a scary question for you, WHAT WOULD YOUR PURPOSE BE? HOW COULD YOU MAKE YOURSELF HAPPY, without the need to be a GIVER?

I LOVE THE ADVICE FROM THE PERSON, SIMILAR TO MINE, WHO AS AN OLDER PERSON, WHO WAS DIRECT -, I DON'T THINK I CAN REMEMBER HER NAME, AND ALSO THE LaTASHA, the one who spoke about prayer. I'll look them up after sending this message, and write back.

Also, I have a friend who put her son on medication. I did not think he needed meds, as a matter of fact I was against anything about medication. I used to think it just because those parents don't want to take the time and patience, to mother their kids. Just have them pop a pill, etc. After my daughter got tested, and she had a 99% test rate in math without time limitation, could solve any problem giving to her, then a 30% test rate under time, with even the easiest problems thrown at her (multiplication), that we agreed to try meds. It was like night and day. She had suffered emotionally, socially, and intellectually from her add. Her brain is like a race car, and she can hyper focus, and also be totally unaware of details, and in social situations, unaware of body language, etc. The medication has helped her so much, I cannot even begin to explain it. Myself, I have gone on medication (only because I would rather go on meds, than my children (because I was a encountering so much frustration and anger and resentment), that I wanted to help myself to be a better mom, wife, friend. I WANTED TO HELP ME HELP MYSELF. I WANTED TO HELP ME HELP MYSELF. HOW CAN WE BE A BETTER CORPORATE MANAGER, if we are not educated. BEFORE YOU MAKE A JUDGMENT ABOUT MEDICATION - become EDUCATED about medication. BEFORE YOU CAN BECOME A CHRISTIAN, you have to experience the change of accepting CHRIST. You can tell someone about JESUS, you try to explain how it can change your life, but until you experience it for yourself, WANT IT, SEEK IT, you will never know what it is like to have CHRIST in your life. TO KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, you will never know what it's like. YOU WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE, to take medication and see how it affects you, if it is right for you. YOU CAN ALWAYS not take it. YOU CAN ALWAYS not seek to be educated about it and still have the same feelings about it, because you see it as taboo. MEDICATION has saved peoples lives. HOW ABOUT Antibiotics, how about motrin for headaches, how about insulin, for diabetics, how about blood thining medicine. How about dialasis, how about by-pass surgery. How about children's tylenol or motrin to bring down a fever that could erupt into a seizure.

A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE ON DRUGS AS ADULTS, IS BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT EDUCATED ABOUT THEMSELVES. ADD people especially. They have anxiety, there are extremely creative and in the moment. They are not organized and good with money, balancing a check book, having a schedule, being able to conquer time management, they are in the moment. IN ORDER TO FUNCTION as adults, to slow down, or speed up with there spontaneous personality, they self medicate. WOULD IT NOT BE BETTER, to become educated, find out if there is a problem (HOW YOU ARE HARD WIRED, WHY YOU ARE A GIVER, IT IS BECAUSE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AS YOU GROWING UP, A CHEMICAL ISSUE OF HORMONE INBALANCE IN YOUR BRAIN, JUST LIKE ONE DOES THAT NOT HAVE ENOUGH INSULIN THAT THERE BODIES PRODUCE, THUS THEY ARE DIABETIC, THEY HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, THEY ARE BORN MENTALLY RETARDED (the most obvious form of an in balance, being born blind, another obvious indicator of a child with special needs. What about the child that has a weight problem, is it because of thyroid, is it because of emotional issues. That child becomes an adult - WHY ARE THERE people that have a weight problem, WHY ARE THERE PEOPLE, who are so DRIVEN to success. WHY ARE THERE PEOPLE WHO TAKE ON SO MUCH RESPONSIBILITY? WHY ARE THERE PEOPLE, who are not motivated? WHY ARE THERE PEOPLE THAT are depressed, lonely, suffer?

EDUCATION is the first step. If you are born blind, you can either be proactive (learn to read braille, get help (get a dog to help), take action. If there are people that are diabetic, they take medication, or ignore there problem.

FOR YOU, WHO IS A CORPORATE MANAGER OF MANY CORPORATIONS, you have probably become quite educated ON TEACHING, RUNNING A HOUSEHOLD, BEING A WIFE, but maybe not on TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF, and why you have so many full time jobs, as a caregiver.

WHAT if you did read a book about medications and what they can help do (like you have the time to add one more thing on your plate in your 12 hours of climbing mount everest, without staff to carry your gear, as you prepare to have a party on top of the mountain, and serve 8 children, take care of your husband, teach your children, bath them, feed them, read to them, give them emotional love and support, and keep a lid on your frustration, emotions and feelings, fatigue, loneliness - inside, if you were to stop to take enough time to look at it - because by doing all these things, can you be intimate? Intimate with yourself, your husband, your friends, your children. SURE YOU CAN KEEP BUSY (you have no choice).

EDUCATION is first (whether you make an appt. with a doc, JUST TO GET INFORMATION, no obligation, CHECK OUT A BOOK, order it online - which you probably can do, if you took the time to inquire herein.

BY THE WAY, YOU HAVE TO BE A CORPORATE, EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT, ORGANIZED, person to be able to handle ALL YOUR FULL TIME JOBS, and still have time to write a request.
and NOT BE COMMITED TO A HOSPITAL for lack of sleep, emotional distress, when I say commited, I mean pneomenia, some sort of sickness, from all of the above, or even have a breakdown. YOU ARE SMART enough to take the first step in writing a request here.

I HOPE THAT I AM NOT PRESUMPTIOUS ENOUGH to feel that YOU HAVE A NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, maybe you are doing this very thing, and are feeling just a bit overwelmed temporarily in the moment, because you can do all that you do, and you are just fine.

I WONDER HOW MANY WOMEN could do what you do, MEN that could do what you do, FAMILY UNITS, with everyone pulling together TO DO WHAT you do?

Please do not take this in an "holier than thou way". I do not want to seem like I know what I am talking about, but I DO KNOW FOR ME, it has been a journey of education, taking baby steps, to find out WHO I AM, what makes me tick, what makes me happy, what makes my family happy, what is best for my family, A HAPPY MOMMA IS A HAPPY HOME. HAPPY CHILDREN IS A HAPPY HOME, A HAPPY DADDY IS A HAPPY HOME. It's like a mobile, when the one part is moved, the rest moves. When one part changes, the rest changes. You cannot change anyone but yourself, You cannot make the mobile move for them, you can ONLY BE THE ONE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. HOW DO YOU DO THAT, when you probably have never taken a second, nor do you have a second, TO SEE ABOVE THE FOREST into the trees.

WE ARE HERE IN THIS SURREAL UNIVERSE, THIS INCREDIBLE MAGICAL, BEAUTIFUL BEYOND WORDS, THE MAGINIFICANCE PRESENCE, to be alive, to see the sunset, the feel a hug, to have our special finger prints, from a polar bear, that loves ice, to a scorpion that lives in the desert, from a butterfly to a great white whale, from the color of a flower, to the drop of a snow flake. We are living in an existence, a realm, a rainbow of life that is inexpressible to even try to describe to an alien that has never experienced the sound of a bird singing, the wind blowing, the smell of the ocean, the feeling of an organism, the taste of a sweet strawberry the chemistry of our bodies, the blood flowing, the brain sending signals to our fingers to type this letter, to be able to think, feel express.

We are human, the realm we live in is not perfect, yet it is. It is in balance -- our brains, our bodies are the most complex organism there is. We are multifaceted,

YOU HAVE A FACET TO BE A CAREGIVER, WHO ARE YOU, what are the other parts of your being - WHAT WOUD YOU DO IF YOUR CHILDREN WENT TO SCHOOL, DAY CARE, WHAT WOULD YOU DO, IF SOMEONE TOOK CARE OF YOUR HOUSE, YOUR HUSBAND, YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES, YOUR JOBS?

MEDICINE - WHAT IS IT? WHAT IS IT FOR? Why do we have hormones, blood types, why do we wear glasses, orthodics, why do we need water? Why are we spiritual? Why do we think? Why do we need food? What foods are best for us? Why do we have eyelashes, hair on our bodies, sweat glands, tears?

As in LaTasha's lament, in the need for Christ, to help, yes! Yes, in your need to be a caregiver? Why not have your kids in school - do you feel that you can do a better job? Are you concerned about social issues for your children growing up in western culture. Do you feel that you can teach them best (intellectually? or is it you do not like our society and their values?)

Have you noticed that I have not actually spoke about your husband? This is not about your husband, your children, your jobs, it is about YOU! Are you happy? overwhelmed and why. WHY, please, please, WITH ALL YOUR FULL TIME JOBS, WHEN DO YOU HAVE TIME TO SLEEP, EVEN FEEL? EVEN GO TO THE BATHROOM to read a magazine article, maybe a paragraph if your lucky!

Maybe you can do these things and want to do all these things. I just want you to be able to experience some time for yourself, in this incredible, incredible realm in which we live, what ever that may be.

My love is for you to love yourself, REMEMBER your passions when you were a child, teenager, young adult, you probably had responsibilities out of the womb, and were the type that sought out being a giver, so this may be a great big facet of who you are, but remember you are multi-faceted, and there may be another side of the mobile that has not experienced the soft movement by a gentle wind, or maybe it will experience the eruption of a volcano in the sea, or maybe the gentle movement of the earth, to let you know there are other parts of your being that maybe need to be reawakened, and given love and attention.

I hope that this somehow helps in a little way, because change is new, it is scary, it is exciting, and what would you do if . . .

Love D.
p.s. - It was Sue C. advice - I can't find it in my transcript above.

Hi D., you have

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Hi G.. Is that eight children under eleven or an eight year old and an eleven year old? If it is the former, no wonder you are stressed. Also, with homeschooling you are so involved that you have zero ME time that everyone NEEDS. I went through a similar situation in my 30's when all I did was rush, rush rush. There was always something that needed my attention. I ended up in therapy because I was so distraught and learned I was depressed. Depression often displays as irritability. You wrote you are opposed to medication but Wellbutrin SAVED my life. If you were diabetic would you refuse insulin? This is no different. This is a subject that is close to me. Please talk to your primary care Doctor first and go from there. My children are now in their 30's and they still resent the years that I was so rushed all of the time, overwhelmed and irritable. I wish I would have sought help years earlier. There is no such being as a Super Mom, no matter how hard we try. Denise K.

G.,

You start out your request telling all the things that you will not do to try and get relief from your stress. Actually I don't think any of them will help anyway until you find a way to lighten your load. You cannot be a full-time teacher, Mom and wife and expect to keep your sanity. Ask yourself, why am I taking on the teaching role? For what reason? Isn't being a Mother to 8 children enough let alone be the teacher? Until you find a way to carve out some time for yourself in the day you will not get off that rollercoaster. Meds won't help unless they are sleeping pills to help you pass out. You can't sleep because there is too much running through your mind. You aren't helping anyone, your children, husband or yourself by trying to do it all. No mother is super Mom. I know I will insult all the fundamentalist SAHM by saying, send your children to school so you can focus on your Mother role and give yourselve some much needed ME time. Your Paster and Husband will be supportive because they aren't the ones staying at home doing everything. Wake up and smell the coffee my dear. Do you really want to be known as the mean lady down the street that is rude to everyone or have your children remember their childhoods as Mom being a basket case? Everyone needs to re-evaluate their situation from time to time when things aren't working. Obviously this isn't working for you. Lighten your load and you will return to the normal, pleasant person that I'm sure you were before you decided to put on the cape (don't superheros wear capes?) I am a Christian too so I am not telling you this in a mean spirit, just giving you a wake up call. You do need something quick before you go off the deep end and jump in your car one day, drive away and never look back. It's happened! Start with prayer and ask for guidance from God. One thing to remember though, you won't hear him speak to you unless you are still and quiet enough to listen.

S.

Dear G., Please reach out for help! There is no shame in being depressed, but there is in not dealing with it. It is affecting your 8 children along with yourself. If you had a pysical illness would you refuse to use medication? God doesn't want this for you, or your family. I have been in your shoes, and believe me, I also didn't want to be medicated. My children deserved a mother who could be there for them, and as I was, that was impossable at the time. My pastor asked me if I thought God would want me to suffer this way, and take my family down a sad road with them. I knew that he was right, and allowed my doctor to put me on meds. After a few weeks I was more like my old self. You have way too much on your plate, can you get help with the day to day chores? How about putting your older children in public schools? Reach out to other churchs who may have support systems in place for mothers in your area. You do not need to do this alone. I am proud of your husband for helping you more, keep opening up to him. I will keep you in my prayers. S.

Talk to god follow your gut. But I think its a depression that most of us moms deal with because of the fact that its winter. You can't go out and walk or do stuff outside its too cold. Try going to like a ymca or city rec center and doing stuff with your children or see if you hubbie can give you a time out for 2 hrs once or twice a week. Go bowling to the movies. I do know what has saved me from going in sane is my husband and I have date night every now and than. If you do some type of excersise it will help you and your stress. Even if you put on your favorite tv show and run in place for a 20 mins a day and stretch. Have the kids go to there rooms and play. Good luck

Hi!
I went through this same thing a while back. I did alot of breathing exercises(meditation) and it really helped! I also made it a point to have some ME time every day-and realize you are NOT wonder woman! You do alot but maybe step back a little...Have a date night for you and your husband once a week. It helps! Also too, have you had your thyroid checked? Simple blood test-mine was on the high end of low-so my Dr. put me on a small dose of synthroid and that did wonders!!!

Have you tried to meditate. Not like ommmm! But like on walking through Heavan. That one very relaxing for me eventualy making my way to meet Jesus and rest in his arms. Maybe walking through a field of flowers. There is a very relaxing way of breathing to help. Breath into to your belly like babies do but hold each breath longer and longer each exhalation should be longer than the inhalation. You can imagine the stress is black when you breathe out and the air you inhale is pretty blue and clear. Hope this helps a little.

Dear G., Has your Dr ever talked to you about adrenal fatigue? When our bodies go thru the hormonal ups and downs as yours has with your pregancies and then a a long term lack of sleep it seriously depletes your system. It can set you up for some long term health issues. Have you thought about supplements to support your system so that it can recover?

I have a couple of good CDs if you would like to borrow them.

Do you have a mom or older teen who could help with the home schooling and or house work for a while? Many people are looking for a place to serve.

Peace and strength to you,
M.

Hello G.,
My heart goes out to you. I know when you are like that you miss out on so much with the children and family.
Try starting a journal. Write in it when you can't sleep and you write about your mood, what irked you that day, and most important your thoughts. This is one way to get things off your mind a little. Next start getting at least 15 minutes a day to yourself. In that time frame, do something you want to do with no children or other interference.(set a timer for 15 minutes and inform family they are not to bother you. when the timer goes off then return to the family and the older child gets a break for watching all the siblings.)
The more sleep deprive you are the more meaner you become. I speak from experience on the sleep deprive. I hope I maybe gave you a few ideas but the anxiety is hard thing to deal with. Even try to walk when your husband is home, i.e. walk one way for 10 minutes and turn around it should take 10 minutes to walk back.
It looks like you received alot of advise. Good luck. I will place you and your family in my prayers.

L.

I would at least go to your doctor to find out if there is something medically "wrong" or not balanced"... If it's not a thuroid problem or other medical situation, there is nothing wrong with some mild anti depressant. It doens't mean your going to get hooked or that you are a bad person. I, too, after my first was born was a terror. I felt that it was much better to have a mom that helped herself and a father in the house, than to risk having a very stressed mom that was slightly depressed and no dad, because mom drove him out!!!

Not saying that your man would leave, but with a terror of a wife (like I was) I wouldn't have blamed my guy. I wouldn't want to be treated like I was treating my husband. I took a mild antidepressant for one month and life came back into perspective. I will pray for you! Know that whatever you decide, you'll make it through this situatin.

Hi G..
First, I am sorry to hear that you're having such a hard time lately. It sounds like you have a wonderful husband which is certainly a blessing.
You've received some very good advice but I wanted to add one thing. I have issues with anxiety and stress, and also trouble sleeping. Before getting pregnant I took Paxil for 5 years. A year after having my son I realized that my anxiety issues were just too big for yoga, kickboxing or date nights to take care of. My mind just wouldn't quit, even when I needed to sleep. I saw my doctor and she put me on the lowest dose of a depression medication called Citalopram (I got a 3 month supply at Wal-Mart for $10). It has helped significantly.
At first I felt like medication was just an easy way out and I felt guilty for taking it. But, even the smallest chemical imbalance in your brain can effect your life. The chemical imbalance that makes you depressed or anxious is just as important to treat as a heart ailment or high blood pressure. I feel like MYSELF now. It's not a drastic change but my husband notices that little things that used to really bother me, don't as much. I'm still very much the same person, but I can sleep and the stresses of everyday aren't as strong as they used to be.
Please don't feel like medication is something bad. Talk to your doctor about options. With 8 children and the stress of home schooling, you need more than yoga or kickboxing. You need to get your life back. Please write me if you have any questions and I wish you the best of luck.

Hi G.,

I can certainly understand where you're coming from and how you're feeling. This time of year tends to really bring it out in people. First there's the holidays then winter really sets in and cabin fever is bound to hit hard. Some of the best advice I could give you is to get outside everyday and exercise. The fresh air and sunshine (even lack thereof), and exercise have been proven to help with this. You wrote that you don't have the time for yoga. Don't be so quick to judge it. There are some really laid back yoga styles, as you imagine, and some very hard classes, that require more athletic ability and/or stamina. I didn't know if I'd like it, but found I love it.
Hope you're feeling great soon. Hey, go out and buy yourself some tulips (or other flowers), they're on sale, and might tell your body 'hey it's spring. I can relax again'. Hope it helps, S.

Hi G. I'm sorry your having a hard time. I try to do some breathing exercise for stress, change the way I'm thinking about what ever the problem is, have a cup of decaff tea and if all that doesn't help I take a herbal blend called rescue remedy. It's amazing stuff helps give me a little extra patience when I've been out of patience. I give it to my cat before we go to the vet, and my daughter when she's over tired and can't calm down.
Maybe you could take a moment to pray, you might have started with that being the pastor's wife. I wish you the best. A. H
http://www.bachflower.com/

Look for something called progressive muscle relaxation - it can help you manage acute stress with only 20 minutes at night for about a week, then you can also start to notice when your body is tensing (what we do when we feel stress) so you can start to better understand, and stop before it builds, the things that are stressful to you.

It may not be just stress but it it is possible that you are in a manic state. My best advice is take time and go to your primary care physican and have a open talk with him/her. This can be treated and better to talk to a Dr. than end up self medicating or taking it out on others. I had this and depression when I was young and had it been treated I would not have the problems I now have. When I was young it was bad and taboo to get help, now I believe that if taken care of in the early stages it should not last a life time.

A.

Well, if you aren't willing to try any medical intervention, or give yourself the time for physical activity to help, then you may just have to deal with it. I don't mean to be rude, but you may actually have an adrenaline disorder that needs to be treated. Flat out refusing medical therapies may mean you are in for a rough road.

Try some deep breathing (using your tummy muscles to breathe in and out) that always helps me. I have a panic disorder and with medication, physical activity and deep breathing, I no longer have to live in a constant state of worry. Life is joyful and rewarding and I love me again.

Good luck
~L.

G....

Coping with stress is one thing that I myself am also learning to do! My hubby just got laid-off and we have 2 teenage girls at home and the oldest just moved out. I have prided myself on my girls and how we have raised them as well. Anyway like you, I do NOT like to put chemicals in my body nor my girls or hubby. For stress...you can go to CVS, Walgreens, or any local drug store and buy Evening Primrose 500mg or 1000mg. I recommend this to EVERYONE! It is all natural with no side effects! I have been taking it for years. Anytime there is a stressful situation, I take my 1000mg ones and within 20 minutes the edge is taken off everything. Everyone calls them my "happy" pills! I feel so relaxed emotionally and physically when I take them. I laugh more, I giggle more and I joke more. You don't have to take them on a regular basis...only when you need them and every 4 hours at that. What I tell everyone who asks the same question as you is "This is natures Prozac."

G.,

I have read your other responses and agree with a couple of them. With God ALL things are possible. If you haven't already made time in the morning for Him and He will help you through this. There is nothing too big for Him to overcome, so put your faith in the only one that can! Stress is only something that we put on ourselves because we try to do too much ourselves, but if we lean on Our Lord he is our comforter, provider, and protecter for everything that we need. Maybe if you start reading Psalms in the Bible (one a morning, this will remind you that God will never leave or farsake you. Be strong in the Lord!

A.

Go and see your Dr. I was having this problem and found that it was my thyroids. And ended up having surgery,
Not saying it is the same for you but it can be anything, hormones. But I am medications only to find it is not helping and then I started talking with a friend who is a homeopathic and she suggested some natural treatment and so far so good, I have seen an improvement.

Cut yourself some slack!! I know a lot of times, especially we as Christians (I'm assuming since your DH is a pastor, but I could be off), are so hard on ourselves to be 'perfect.' You have your hands completely full! And you are probably not as rude as you think you are - any one can be expected to have bad days/weeks/months with 8 kids and homeschooling! Plus, they are all so young! I thought I was going crazy with two young ones..haha. You are probably a bundle of worry - always taking care of others...you need a break once in a while - get a babysitter one night and go out to eat with your husband...or alone! Take some time each week for yourself - even if it's just a bath or reading time. You deserve a mental vacation. Also - encouraging books may help you to feel more relaxed...and let you know others are in the same boat. If you keep going like this you may have a panic attack...and that is no good for any one. When I catch myself being rude, I set myself apart from others - even just for a few minutes, to gain perspective...and play with my cats or something (animals are so calming!). OR I start cleaning...if I can't control my emotions, at least I can control the cleanliness of my house. :) With your adrenaline, you may be able to accomplish a lot of that!
One other thing - I received a word from God that he wants me to have joy. It was the most amazing revelation! I know Psalms says that we should always be joyful because we belong to the Lord, but it really hit home at the most important time...I was feeling down and always felt a little guilty if I let myself feel happiness - I was always concerned with putting others' happiness ahead of my own - if I felt happy while someone else wasn't, then it was a pang of guilt...but God WANTS us to be happy! We show His love through our actions....and you can cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you - He will take your yoke, so it will allow you to do what you have to do - one step at a time. Pray and He will hear...and He will give you rest. Put the kids to bed early (this is a key component!), grab some hot tea, have a devotional and calm down before trying to put yourself to bed. If your mind is racing, then you will never fall asleep. Also - if my mind is going a mile a minute, (I hate to do this, but it works) I will leave the tv on and let that drown my mind out and go to bed with a sleep timer on the tv.
Good luck and please let us know how you are doing!!

Hi G., Sounds like maybe you could be deficient in Vitamin D. This is a huge problem for people, mainly women in Michigan because we never get to see the sun in the winter!!! I would suggest trying to get outside more. Even if you stand by the window when it is sunny and expose your arms, legs and face just for 5-10 mins. a day, it might make you feel better. You can also take extra vitamin D each day with your multivitamin. You should be getting at least 400 iu of vitamin D each day and in the winter, women, especially pregnant women should get at least 1400 a day. You can also check with your doc about having your levels checked. HOpe this helps. S.

G.,
It is wonderfull that you can admit and ask for help. you are wise to not go the drug route, yet you are not sure of options. Long term adrenaline rush for some people leads to some illness. I suggest EMDR. Call Karole Holtkamp ###-###-####. She can talk on the phone or in person for 30 minutes, FREE , to explore if she or the EMDR method would help you. I sure EMDR of emotional release method (ask Karole for web page too) after my divorse, and in Group workshops. It is simple and powerfull , and quick. Kay F
Can e-mail me if you want the know more ____@____.com

You have gotten lots of good advice and support here. The Moms can be most excellent in that regard. I just want to join the chorus of-you must start prioritizing your own physical, mental and emotional health. It is hard for us Moms to think that way at times, but it is essential. If you are feeling that on edge you may want to consult a therapist as an outlet to help you release some of your feelings and to help you navigate your way through your need to be healthier and more in balance. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this and remember, it is probably impacting your kids more then you know. So if you have to do it for them, look at it that way. Best of luck to you.

Regular Massage therapy is a great stress reducer. A listening partnership where someone JUST LISTENS... no advice, no yes I understand because I yadayada....
Yoga... a gentle breathing practice Not necessary to be strenuous exercise version. A quiet introspective practice. Meditation is also great.
I have felt that stressed and have done all of the above at different times. I can recommend great people for any and all of them. Is there some overwhelming issues you're dealing with right now. Maybe no time away for yourself, that is a lot of pressure being home with two children 24/7, a husband with two full time jobs... the pressure to meet an expectation of the pastor's family... this is on top of any possible worry of the current state of affairs.
Email me for recommendations if you'd like.
B. ____@____.com

G., I think you have been given lots of good advice here and many things to try. I grew up the oldest of 6 kids with a mother who didn't believe in doctors. She was angry a lot and very up and down in her mood. She took it out on us kids and my dad and the end result with my siblings wasn't pretty. Please, please, please get treatment. God gave us doctors and we need to use them sometimes. Dr. Billy Graham has spoken about this, including God being OK with anti-depressants if a person has a biochemical imbalance in the brain. Please, do this for yourself and do this for your kids. Think of it this way, whatever benefits you want your kids to have by you homeschooling them could all be washed away if you are not up to the task, either physically or emotionally. So, please get whatever help you need! God bless.

if you have 8 kids under the age 11 of course you will be stressed. you need a vacation or a get away day. you need to just find the time to get away

I think you should have you're thyroid tested by an endocronologist. They will do a quick blood draw and ask you a couple questions. When you're thyroid is off, you can be irritable, feel like you're on an adrenaline rush, have trouble sleeping, dry skin, hair loss, and more. I say go to the endocronologist because for a year I went to 3 different doctors and none of them said by thryoid was low until I went to the endo. There are supplements you can take to balance your thyroid. Like coconut oil, L-tyrosine, selenium, iodine, and others. Good luck.

HI G., I cannot imagine what your life is like with 8 children at home. I had trouble keeping up with two. Tey are grown now and I have two grandkids to keep up with. You must take advice from the many wonderful Moms responding. I am glad that you are already using music and a few relaxation techniques. I would also recommend massage. Fit it into your budget, it is a necessity for you. I would also highly recommend sending your kids to school. They are not benefitting from you staying at home to teach them if you are so stressed out and unpleasant to be around. You might keep the very youngest children at home- aged 3 and under, but send the rest to school. Thhis will save your sanity and give you time to plan a few activities just for yourself. I am also very much into helping everyone and never saying no and this ends up being a great drain. You must plan some time for yourself and your own interests -hobbies. When mama is happy- everyone is happy. A midwife friend said that to me years ago and I have not forgotten her words. They are so true. Good Luck. J. K.

Have you considered Kick-boxing? Kidding. Your life sounds very familiar - like maybe I have lived it! Might you be in the early phases of menopause?

I can tell you about the dietary supplements that I took (and still take) that help with that if you want. It's just a part of life. Not a fun part, but you will get thru this.

S.
____@____.com

Make time----we all need some time for ourselves and by selves. Go for a walk, jpin a helth club, go to a movie...just do something -- and not just once. If you don't make time now, you will never have time in the future.
Get a physical laely?? Hormones might be out of balance.

Number One: BREATHE. Breathing exercises can really help. If you are a SAHM of 8, I'd be surprised if you WEREN'T grumpy sometimes! Give yourself a break.

I highly recommend reading "Being Peace" and "Touching Peace" by Thic Nhat Han. Lots of goodness and peace to be found there.

Next, learn to let go the things that don't really matter. So what if Johnny forgot his coat this morning? He will be cold, but he will learn that lesson. If the roast isn't right, if someone forgets to brush their teeth, if your mother (or MIL) pick at you, just let it go. Think about what is really important and let the superfluous go.

W. (mother of 2, stepmother of 4)

Homeschooling 8 Kids! If you have patience for that, then yoga (or any stress management you choose) should be a breeze. The statement that you don't have the time or patience for yoga tells me that you are in denial...you MUST take the time to nurture and care for yourself, or you can't nurture and care properly for anyone else. I agree, that you should seek out the assistance of an MD. Not being able to sleep can really run you down and give you poor judgement....and you may have a post-pardem type of depression or other hormonal imbalance. Also, get your friends and family (and husband) to pitch in so that you have un-interrupted time for yourself. Eight kids under 11 yrs old is no small feat for your body, or mind. Momma needs to rest!

You didn't mention your age, but at around 43 I went into a funk that lasted too long. I have suffered neck, hip and back pain since 25, and it had gotten considerably worse, so I went to a specialist. After a full scan, the spine specialist sat me down and asked me what I did for relaxation and fun. I laughed and said I watch TV, which he said didn't count. Basically he said I needed to de-stress. I was ticked. How was I going to manage that!? I started taking the dog for a walk every morning and signed up for a weekly Yoga class. Could do more, but even the little I gave myself helped. I did eventually go on meds (Welbutrin) w/o any regrets. I also found information on peri-menopause symptoms that fit me. I started taking B vitamins, Flaxseed oil tabs and eating soy daily. And saying yes to invitations from friends when they asked me to go out. Maybe 1 time a month. I guess what I'm saying is try things. The fact that you say you don't have time or patience for Yoga suggests you are a little stuck in your routine, as I was. It could be a daily walk, jog, or other excercise, but it will help. Good luck!

How can you say you have a supportive husband when you are suffering and he is not really lending a hand? He is responsible for all these children. Sounds like your hormones are all out of balance and you need to see your MD right away. You CAN feel amazing if you accept meds. Do this for YOU and your children. Don't feel guilty. YOU come first!

Ok, if you are a Christian, praying helps!
Also, how is your diet? I just read in my pregnancy book (yeah, I know you are not pregnant) that not enough vit. B6 can make one cranky and tired. So can not getting enough of all vitamins. Try taking a women's vitamin or even a prenatal, and increase your fruits and veggies!
I hope you get happy again soon!

Have you tried the over the counter homeopathic Calms Forte? Also, you don't mention your age, but could you be peri-menopausal? You might get a female hormone profile done to see if you are -- My sister has been doing accupunture and Chinese herbs for her perimenopausal feelings of irritability, no sleep ,and it's been really helping. Good luck.

Has the direction for your family changed with God. The annointing to homeschool all your children? Perhaps God is taking your family into another season? Some children to be in private school---Is God making a way for you? Is there something else your heart of hearts wants to do for the Lord as He has given you a vision for (Perhaps a business or ministry, or even go to school yourself)? They say mandates are coming requiring home school moms to have degrees. The season could be changing for your family? In pray time alone with God you will find all the answers.

T

G., try Flax seed and any soy product. These help natural hormone levels.

D.

Hi G.,

By now you are probably overwhelmed with responses; however, if you get to a point where you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed again, I have some wonderful FREE tips that saved me when I was a single mom working 40+ hours a week. I survived and my 20-year old son is now a junior at UC Berkeley.

In addition to being a mom to my son. I am a parent coach who currently is providing some pro-bono services to those who need it most. So don't hesitate to call if you would like some real-time support. Sometimes just talking it out with someone not so close to your situation really helps!

Wishing you the best!
Coach D.

I use a program called Attacking Anxiety and Stress by the Midwest Center- see www.stresscenter.com. The program teaches you the tools to deal with everyday stress and includes tapes (relaxation and self- help talk)to help you remember how to be your own best friend and take care of yourself in the midst of crazy busy days. The Midwest Center has 1/2 price sales a lot so check it out and good luck. Remember what you do as a mom, teacher and wife is important you should be proud and keep doing it just with a calmer outlook if possible.

G., I admire all you are trying to do but you need to have time to yourself. I also think you should have a complete physical. My thoughts go to the very Christian woman who killed all 5 of her children in Texas a few years ago because of Post Partum Depression. You do not want to get that far and sometimes medication or some type of therapy is good for the entire family. I will pray for you and hope you find something to help take the edge off things.

I didn't read all the responses because they're full of tips on how to cope with your situation but I didn't see one option - don't homeschool. Is this your choice? The thought of 8 children is so daunting I would never even attempt it but since you have, perhaps you can reconsider homeschooling. Many people send their children to public schools. You could supplement their learning at home and get very involved at school but still not have quite the burden.

I haven't read the responses, so maybe this has already been mentioned. Perhaps you are off balance in a nutrient or have an undiagnosed (mild) condition, like hypothyroid (depression or agitation can be a symptom, as can sleeplessness). I don't like to take drugs either, and have had wonderful success (even got pregnant, yay!) with a naturopathic physician (4 years of nat. med. school after college, and all natural treatments, that really work). She diagnosed me with Hashimoto's, which is the most common (and least diagnosed by MDs) form of hypothyroid. That was in Oregon, but there are NDs all over. You can find one at http://naturopathic.org/ Clearly you have a lot to handle, but if it's been fine before, and suddenly you feel like a mess, then something is amiss. I started on the journey to natural healing after reading the book Feeling Fat, Fuzzy, or Frazzled by Shames, MD. It is all about hormone havoc in our bodies, and how to help ourselves and find a practitioner who will help us. The book is cheap on www.amazon.com. Good luck!

My mother in law had 7 children, 6 of them boys. She is 77 years old and can run circles around me, mother of one 5 year old!! She has told me before that some nights, especially if there were women's church groups, weight loss whatever. As soon as my father in law would come in, she would show him the meal for the evening, leave any instructions and head out the door!! Of course, they only had one car back then!! Anyway, if her activity ended early, she still didn't go home until 8 or 9. She got much needed free sanity filled time and dad got to experience just how hard she worked. Of course, she has also admitted that when she came home, everything was done and all were as they should be, in bed or whatever a particular child should be doing. Anyway, it always worked out. Find time for you, whatever that may be. I only have one and i have become addicted to nighttime drama!! I've never been a tv watcher, but since luke came along, he goes to bed, i finish up and find my addiction for the night. For the first time in my entire life, i have a tv in my bedroom, my husband bought it for me for christmas, so that i could have my addictions in total comfort and quiet!! God bless you, i am sure you are a fabulous mom and have 8 awesome kids!!

Hi G.,

First, I have to say that I visit the Mamasource site very infrequently, but for some reason was compelled to visit it today...there are no accidents!

Many of the responses you have received over the past couple of weeks have been very good suggestions. I would subscribe to many of them: exercise, meditation, and most certainly prayer. I agree with you about the medicinal route; it can be helpful for some but unfortunately it only treats the symptoms and not source of your problem.

I have been at the very same place you find yourself right now, and I know how overwhelming to the point of distraction it can be. Your mind races with so much to accomplish each and every day, that your once pleasant disposition and joy for life seems like a something that will no longer be part of your existence.

I would love to give you an hour of my time over the phone, yes, free of charge, where we talk of about some simple, practical solutions that can get you back to the person you want to be!

I will send you a private message with my contact information, which you can take advatange of or not - it's your choice.

No matter what you decide, I send you my best thoughts and prayers to recapture your dreams that I know you once had.

MJ

Homeschooling can get very stressful at times. I read a book called "The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling" by Barbara Frank, who suggests occasionally taking a vacation from homeschooling and just not focusing on it for a short while, and that can help everyone's batteries recharge. If you're committed to homeschooling, then keep that commitment, but try looking at changing the routine, or your expectations of yourself. And read the book! It's so helpful! (The author's youngest of four kids has Down syndrome, so she knows about stress and homeschooling!)

THe univeristy of Minnesota center for spirituality and healing offers a program mindfulness based stress reduction, i've taken it twice and it is excellent. her is a link or search for center for spirituality and healing, then find programs and events, mindfulness based stress redution programs. also don't rule out meds on a tempoarary basis, may help you to sleep while you find ways to manage or lower the stress in your life. Problem is not you, probalby just too mucyh going on. God Bless, you sound like a great mom.
http://www.csh.umn.edu/programs/Mindfulness_Based_Stress_...