Asklemmy

TL/dr: Self care is important. Ask for and accept help. It's hard but you will get through it, we've all been there to some degree even if we don't admit it. Self care is important There are some great times, enjoy them. They're only young once. And finally, self care is important.

I wouldn't say it gets better, but it does get different as they grow. I was told it gets easier when they get past 35 (years).

You seem to be stuck in that day to day routine where you're feeling spread too thin with no end in sight. We've all been there and you just have to dig in and survive it. This isn't meant to make you feel worse, rather, that you're not alone. You have a chance to show your boy a whole world of things and every day is a new experience so while you're knackered, treasure the moments you can, they're precious. My kids still talk about a bedtime story that I acted out one night, it was 15 years ago. It's all worth the effort.

Now, you can't do your job if you're burnt out. You deserve and need some you time to recharge your batteries. Maybe you can even get some hours off work to help. Go for a walk, go to the gym, ride a bike, whatever you can do in a stolen hour for a break. Yes it sounds like another thing to add to your todo list... It is, but you need to be you to help him grow. Self care is more important than you would believe.

That you accept you have depression is a big step. It took me years to get there. Honestly, well done. Asking for help from organizations, employers, colleagues, friends, family or even internet strangers is not admitting defeat, it's getting a power-up. It's not easy, but it helps.

Weekdays are hard, plan for the weekends. We often took our kids for a walk in the woods when they were young. We'd come home cold, dirty and tired, but we'd collect things, climb trees, talk to friendly dogs, we'd just live a bit and connect with life and things that matter. In a few years you'll turn into a source of money and transport.

Finally, having kids is a big life change, it's ok to miss your previous life. It's not necessarily gone for good, just paused if you want it to be. Its even ok to not like your kids sometimes... All kids are arseholes when they want to be. These things will pass, you will endure. If you have the choice between laughing or crying, try laughing first, but a good quiet sob can also help if you need one. You can do this.