Happy New Year, we made it to 2024 and through to another year. This is the start of a brand new chapter. I usually write my weekly update posts on a Wednesday, but am having a day out of much needed Nanny cuddles tomorrow. So time for my weekly round up post Ramblings Of A StressedMum – 02/01/2024
Table of Contents
Not A Good Start To Christmas
On Christmas Eve, after all my baking had been done I was sitting having a cuppa. Suddenly my Facebook had gone weird. I had tons of emails, coming through and as my account was what I had thought was secure. With codes sent to my emails, and 2 factor that is linked to my phone. I changed emails, and all seemed fine.
Next, my account had been disabled and gone. I cried, I have so many memories and photos, friends who are no longer here, that have just gone. I made a new (hopefully) temporary account. My StressedMum Page is still there, but I have no access to it. After a lot of panic and tears, I decided there was nothing I could do and tried to enjoy Christmas.
Not Alone
On looking further into this, it seems that 100’s of others experienced the same thing, on the same day. Surely this is a more than a coincidence. Trying to get Facebook to help, is a nightmare. I have found tons of emails, which are just replied to with links. Which would be fine if my account was not disabled. I have found a way to speak to someone, but am now scared this will mess up my Instagram account.
If anyone has any advise on contact or anything please let me know.
Health
Yesterday, I had a bit of a meltdown. I have been struggling quite a lot lately. I seem to be the one everyone thinks will sort everything out. Plus various family illnesses, also C is in a crash.
I was making lunch, and just flipped and burst into tears and explained everyone wants something from me, but no one listens to me. My Mum and Dad took the brunt but, when I said it always turns around on my Mum getting involved. She started crying, which I pointed out. It kept going on until I said I just feel like walking out I am that down. My Mum said the same.
I know the Facebook hacking has not helped, but I have such a sick headache I just can not get rid of. Plus not sleeping properly. Hopefully now we are in the New Year things will work out and all will get back to normal.
If you are struggling, you are not alone my inbox is always open.
What I Am Loving
If you know someone with a newborn, or expecting you will love the Their Future, and their first-of-its-kind, super soft-touch and uniquely designed baby blanket. Designed to give your precious little one the ultimate protection, keeping them cosy and safe, while you have peace of mind.
The perfect gift for new or expectant Mums. The blanket is a plush ivory colour, with a simple design. Plus
- Special technology used during the manufacturing process ensures that the blanket doesn’t release microfibres, and is created without the use of chemicals.
- The blanket doesn’t absorb moisture or any easily-made stains into the fabric, therefore preventing odours from developing.
- Any moisture is simply wicked away and dirt is easily released, allowing you to wash at lower temperatures.
- Once the blanket has reached the end of its working life, it can simply be returned for recycling where it can then be used to produce new yarn for new fabric.
Something New
Next week, I am introducing a new feature. I am not sure whether to have it as a stand-alone. Or incorporate in this post. It is the time to talk about anything, we will look at one topic each week. So keep your ideas coming in.
Giveaways
As you know I love to run giveaways and I have started working on some lovely giveaways to start of 2024. My first giveaway is now live and a thank you to all of you from me. See below on the giveaway and how to enter.
Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions and complete ALL the mandatory sections.
a Rafflecopter giveawayI hope you all had a lovely Christmas and here to a great 2024.
Great topic, would like to discuss saving money tips
Anything to do with mental health / wellness is always welcome.
Great topic to discuss
I’d like to see more on relaxation ideas and finding time for yourself.
That is coming next week, should have been this week but dramas happened this end
I always like seeing articles on wellness and mental health.
Great topic to discuss
Mental health tips would be fab! I struggle a lot with anxiety but I am trying to push myself more.
Anxiety is a struggle to live with and will discuss this in future discussions
mental health issues and where to get help. how to spot a scam help post would also be good
These are both great topics and both I would love to address and talk about
How to spot scams, especially ones on social media where they end up hacking your account
This is a good one, although I got hacked and had not even been on my Facebook and had it as secure as I could have it
Not sure if it’s a topic per say but I really love your posts talking about your day to day, and what’s been going on in your life
Thank you, This week will certainly keep you entertained, it is only Wednesday and it feels like it should be next week with what has been going on
I know the feeling 🙁
Can you believe this week has been worse
I would love to have some more giveaways, maybe talk about any great deals going on right now in the shops.
I am working on my giveaways, I always love getting a good deal
I would like to talk about the latest games and why not there so good one. Some top ones like tekken 8 this year.
I am not really up on games but happy to accept a guest post for anyone who is. We just got a virtual reality headset thing and know you can use a lot of games on that
mental health issues and where to get help
That is a great topic to talk about
Hmmm… not sure really since I like to be surprised. But a post about where to get freebies would be great
I do like freebies so a great post to work om
Oh no! That is rotten about your FB page. It sounds like you have had a rotten time of it. x
It has been a nightmare but hopefully I may get it back
I’d like to discuss pets as I love animals.
Always happy to discuss animals
Happy New Year! I read this and felt so sad that your I’d had such a hard time and it’s a testament to you that you’re still here trying to help and advise others! I think hearing about ways to manage stress, wellbeing and making some positive changes would be helpful especially with a lot of uncertainty in the world at the moment!
Thank you, I love these topic ideas as this is something I need to focus on more
Hubby and I are both born worriers. We would even worry if we had nothing to worry about. When we sit down we can recognise just how blessed we are in our lives yet day to day we always seem to look on the negative side of things. We would love some tips on how to become more positive in our outlook.
I am a born worrier, and worry about the stupidest things. My husband is very matter of fact. This is a great topic to discuss
Happy New Year! With the cost of living, love to hear about saving money / more giveaways
Happy New Year, my latest post is talking about how to save money
I’m sorry you’re going through such a rotten time. I can’t imagine losing all those memories on Facebook. I’ve also had my fair share of family tensions and drama with my parents in the past. Though thankfully not recently, when it happens it impacts me massively every time as in many ways as a single parent they’re my only support network (the odd school run if I get stuck in office, helping with 2 body jobs I cant do alone like getting the christmas tree out the attic etc). I never feel like I can call on friends to help as they all have their own stuff going on and my parents are retired. So I always feel hesitant to set boundaries with them and challenge hurtful behaviour because they take massive offense to any criticism and withold all support. But know youre not alone! Last month was my worst in a while and I ended up at the GP asking for medication to push through the last month of work before Christmas break despute the depression and anxiety. It got to the point where I just wanted to give up and hurl myself off a cliff but I knew I couldn’t because then my child would be alone. The poor mental health combined with several other symptoms made me think perhaps I was perimenopausal (my mum went through it my age) so I mentioned that to the GP. Bizarre as it sounds I was hoping that would give me an explanation to pin it all on rather than it just transpiring I am a weak person who cant deal with stresses of life. But bloods taken indicate I’m not though hormones are a bit out of whack. I can also totally relate to feeling tapped out from everyone else’s needs and demands though. Personally I feel friends only ever want to talk if theyre going through something and need help or advice which I always give. Professionally my return to work after Christmas break has been insane and I am utterly overwhelmed by the scale of demand from all angles with not enough resource to deliver. Already putting in extra hours to cope but feeling guilty about how I’m not connecting enough with my child as a result. The respite from the work pressure lifted my spirits over the Christmas break but I was slammed back to reality from my first day back. My GP wanted to sign me off but I cant because I work closely with HR and know theyre highly judgemental and skeptical of anyone who takes time off for mental health. It also never happens at my level only with juniors. Plus itd be another respite but wouldnt change the situation which would still be there on my return. I’d love to get a new job doing the same thing or similar work somewhere better resourced, but vacancies in my field in my area are few and far between and I worked hard over many years to get to this level of experience. And with sole financial responsibility of my child I can’t afford to start a new career in something more junior or less stressful. So I feel utterly stuck in a situation that won’t get better. Added to that, money is tight till payday because we got paid early at Christmas so this feels the longest month ever. And I got a crack across my windscreen because a branch fell on it so can’t drive till that’s fixed (which will cost more money – I have insurance but there’ll be the excess to pay). Now having to rely on my parents helping with the school run daily which they like to complain inconveniences them each time, making me feel worse and an incapable adult and caregiver to my child. It all just feels a bit rubbish and hopeless right now. But things can only get better from here right…?!
I am so sorry you are going through so much. I do totally sympathise and having so much pressure really does not help. I was in a job for over 13 years, I loved the job as working in banking and loved the admin, and customer contact. But it got so much about targets and the pressure I was getting to the stage on a Sunday night I would be in a right state about going in the next day. I handed my notice in and felt so much better. I do still see the girls 20 years on, and they all say there are vacancies please come back. My parents are great, although C is now 20 so the pressure of school runs is off. But we do have college runs as is a nightmare if she went by public transport. I do feel a lot better and am lucky to have my husband who lets me rant and then logically talks me down.
I am always here if you need to talk as it is not easy doing everything on your own. Mental health is so important and it does need nurturing
i would like to discuss how to deal with redundancy from work
That is a good topic, I have been through redundancy which I chose to take instead of going to another role
I’d like to see more financial saving tips and budget lists.
This is a great idea
With the extreme cold weather, it would be good to discuss how to keep warm without having to use the heater too much
That is a good topic to discuss
Aww I am so sorry to hear that you’ve had a really difficult time lately. Sending hugs and wishes that things get a lot better soon. I had a lot of issues with Instagram a couple of days ago and I was worried my Instagram account had been completely lost and what you’ve gone through is much worse.
I’d love to see tips on trying to stay stress free – things to try to eradicate those anxious moments.
I am still trying to get my account back, and hoping I still can. It is horrible when this happens. I am going to start my weekly post this week
Holiday ideas in the UK. Looking for inspiration.
That is a great topic
Happy New Year! I like reading about new products and reviews of things I might want to try!
Happy New Year, I do have a lovely review coming next week
I love to read about books, mental health and offers and how to find bargains
Great topic ideas and will definitely use these
Thrifty financial tips and tricks to help get the new year off to a good start!
Great idea thank you for the suggestion
I would like to see some tips on how to get through January- anything from money savings to keeping cheerful
I think that is something we could all benefit from
I’d love to see topics like supermarket bargains and sales 🙂
I am always looking for bargains
I really enjoy reading about what the children like, and why!
Trouble with kids what they like one day they don’t the next day
Happy New Year, I think as you’re covering a new topic weekly the first should cover the January Blues as most of us will be experiencing this in the coming weeks.
Happy New Year, I think that is a great place to start
Happy New Year to you xx I completely understand we have not had a great end to 2023/start to 2024. Sorry to hear about the Facebook flop and also sad that you’ve been down. Try to keep your chin up and you know where I am if you need to talk, sending hugs xx
Thank you have sent tons of emails again today, I keep finding new ones so hoopefully one will get through
Very sorry to read about your Facebook account. Such a stressful and frustrating experience to endure on top of everything else that goes on at this time of year.
I enjoy posts and discussions about books and toys for children, especially those that are developmental. Competitions are fun, too, as they are often an introduction to a new product.
Thank you, it is frustrating and annoying and driving me mad. Thank you for the suggestions great topic ideas
You are definitely not alone. I had a major meltdown that started as early as last year January. Call it January blues but it lasted almost last year and I have only recently manage to see some light out of this. I am sure you Facebook definitely did not help and it’s these things that keep adding on that topple us over. I am going to say it raw so please bare with me. But I am hoping my story can help you realise that you are definitely not alone in feeling this way.
With the cost of living going up, relationship problems, low esteem and general motherhood, I had a burnt out last year. I only wanted it to end and saw death being the only way. With suicide being too scary, I set my mind to do something to stop my heart from beating and just pass away in my sleep. I will skip the details in case it gives people ideas but my plan was working. I kept going for blood tests and they saw something wasn’t right and my ECG was coming back really bad. But I ignored it and never took my medication. It was in June when I knew that day could be my last. I felt my heart struggling, my breathing slowing followed my extreme fatigue. I looked into my eyes of my own children and I knew I had to make a choice to let myself slip away or ring 999. At the last second I told my husband what I had been doing and we immediately got the ambulance to come. I was saved.
It hasn’t been an easy journey since then. I almost lost my children to social services and placed in a psychiatric ward. Luckily I have managed to get out of the system but since then, I have received no help from the NHS. I have much been filled with regret, disappointment, self hatred and depression. Sometimes I do wish I just did it that day but seeing how my own kids had to see me in hospital, their confusion as they’re only 4 and 6, I knew I made the right choice to fight on. How was I so irresponsible to have let them lose a mother so early? What did not help the recovery process was that I lost a lot of respect from people since that day, who I thought were my friends. In fact, I lost a lot of people since then.
But thanks to the support of my husband, my kids and some other friends, I have found a little of my old self again. I am slowly picking up and choosing to face life again and find some joy in it. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I have fallen but I have come back stronger. I recognise my slip ups and mistakes and I now approach them with caution and pick myself up again.
So whatever it is Sam, I know you will be fine. Sometimes, all it takes is time. It is going to have bad moments like this, learn from it and recover. Then one day when someone else goes through something similar, you can be there to shed light and let them know it will be okay. Moments like this teaches empathy and compassion. It also gives us strength, strength to face the future and anything that may come our way. You will get through this Sam. I know you will. I wish you all the best with Facebook and hope to hear good news soon in regards to it. For now, plenty of self care and pampering and remember ‘ it is not selfish to love yourself’.
Oh Wendy I had no idea, I am so sorry you have been through such a hard time. They do say that you only find out who your true friends are when you are going through something. Totally different but I found this out last year. True friends never judge no matter what. My husband left me alone, as I was just snapping and arguing all the time. Yes my Facebook hasn’t helped but after a lovely day with my grandkids yesterday, I feel so much better. I just needed to get myself away from the situation.
Thank you so much for opening up and sharing what you have been through and how you felt. I really do appreciate it.
Never feel you are alone, I am always on the other end and happy to be there x
Thank you Sam! I tend to go quiet when I’m down. Exact opposite of what I need really because sometimes letting it out and sharing the pain with someone really helps.
It’s true when they say, you don’t need a lot of friends, one good friend is enough and this year I found a new friend who is just that, non-judging and always there. My husband was always helpful either. He kept blaming himself thinking he was the problem and in the end I had to step out of my depression to comfort him. But kids are amazing. Their innocence and honesty really soothed me. During the summer holiday I made sure I had a good balance of ‘me’ time and time with them. As parents, there is always that guilt that we are not giving them all of our time but it took me long enough to realise, that is not healthy and it was destroying me. I don’t feel so guilty for having a nap now.
But thank YOU for opening up. It’s blogs like yours that have stopped me from hiding in my own sadness in the past because even when I was down, I never stopped reading your blog posts. Entering competitions helped me too for distraction and gave me a glimpse of hope and excitement 🙂
Thank you for replying so quickly. I do hope you feel better soon and your grandkids have implanted some happiness into you. Those cheeky monkeys. They very much remind me of my two little ones, always keeping me on my feet. 🙂
I go quiet but I tend to bang things around. I do try to be honest and share things, it is a great way for me to get it out but also hearing it has helped others. Nevve feel guilty for having any you time, and the kids will be fine if we take a nap, pop out for coffee etc.
My grandkids always pick my mood up first thing I do is get my cuddles from them x
It’s so true. I rather spend a few happy hours with the kids then a whole day with them feeling moody and tired.
When we get upset and don’t face it, we do tend to deflect it onto other things. I know I do that a lot with my husband, haha. But even now, sharing my story with you, has helped me a lot. Makes it feel more normalised and accepted within myself to have shared it. I hope it is the same for you.
Not long and it’s going to be Spring, Mother’s day to look forward to and I am sure you will have plenty of different adventures and festivals to tell us about. I hope there is something you can look forward to take your mind off of things. xx
I just go around the house ranting away, but do share in my posts as like you have said it is easier to realise it is ok. I do have a few worries with my dads health which has not helped.
Nothing booked up yet apart from a few days away in a couple of weeks with my husband for his birthday. We also have C’s 21st birthday this year
It’s true. I would choose a good few happy hours with my kids than a whole day with them whilst being moody and tired because they do pick it up. I wish I figured that out earlier.
I know when I go quiet and avoid facing the problem, I deflect it a lot on my husband. Poor guy. But it is nice to speak out. So even though you’re thanking me for sharing, I want to thank you for giving me the space to talk here. It helps normalise things and by sharing, it has helped me to accept that it is okay to have these moments and not be too ashamed about it.
Kids are great. Their innocence and honesty soothes me and allows me to be myself without that fear of judgement. They love so easily and hate so easily too but at the same time, they are very forgiving. I hope your grandkids have inserted some happiness to you xx
You are always welcome to speak freely on here. Kids are great and do pick up on things. My grandaughters always make me happy and it is lovely to spend time with them giving them all my attention and having fun x
Happy New Year so sorry to hear that you got hacked,
Happy New Year and thank you
I’m really sorry to hear about the Facebook trouble – that sounds incredibly frustrating! Sending positive vibes your way
Thank you, it is a nightmare but hoping as it seeems to be a lot of people having the same issue it is a blip
First: How you have a better new year. If you find a way to contact Face book/ Metal, I would like to know, as I have been having problems too.
I am so sorry you are having problems, I will definitely let you know if I find anything that works
Happy New Year! I would love to know what amazing competitions are in the pipeline!
They are not readyy to go live yet
Facebook is a monster. The settings options are a nightmare to master. I see so many people with account issues on otherwise securely set up accounts. And trying to get help is horrendous. I don’t envy you.
The thing is I had it set up for notifications to 2 email addresses plus my phone, and various codes to be entered so no idea how this has happened
Happy New Year to you and I am so sorry to hear about your Facebook page. I do hope you get it sorted soon and get access to your Stressed Mum page again.
It is really stressing me out, I have lost so much and you just keep going around in circles trying to sort it
Firstly, happy new year! I am so sorry that you’ve experienced fb hack on the Christmas day. I am glad that you are able to get to speak with someone about the issue which is pretty difficult to happen. Hope things will sort out! Keep us all updated!
I haven’t been able to speak to anyone yet, keep getting automated responses
Sorry to hear about the Facebook problems, hope you get it sorted soon.
Thank you
Sorry to hear that you are going through some struggles. It is a tough time of year, I hope you can find some support.
Thank you, I will get there I think my facebook isn’t helping things
I’m sorry that you have had such a rough time, all the best for 2024 🙂 love all sorts of topics from cleaning hacks books to read and giveaways! i just love reading articles im addicted hehe
Thank you and hope you have a good 2024. Thank you for the topic ideas will definitely be using them
I’m glad that things got sorted out. It can be so scary when it happens. Happy new year.
Nothing has got sorted I am still nowhere nearer to sorting the problem
This plush ivory blanket not only boasts a simple and elegant design but also incorporates special technology to enhance functionality. The features like preventing microfiber release, resisting stains, and the eco-friendly aspect of recycling at the end of its life make it a truly unique and considerate present.
It is a lovely blanket and perfect for anyone with a newborn
I am so sorry to hear about what happened to you. I too have been hacked a couple of years ago so I know exactly how you are feeling. Perhaps a good topic to discuss would be the importance of internet safety measures such as strong passwords, up to date antivirus and so on.
I am so sorry this happened to you. That is such a great idea and someone how one I had not thought of
First off, Happy New Year. I would like to chat about what new competitions people are entering this year.
Happy New Year, that is a great topic
I’d love to talk about ideas for making January less depressing. I absolutely hate it.
Great idea and I agree it is all dreary and dull once we get back to normal
I love reviews of family days out! They always inspire me!
Great idea, thank you
Really feel for you
Love to discuss whether CBD is worth the price / buying ( health wise )
Thank you, is a topic I do not really cover now, but am more than happy to start a discussion around it
Should our happiness depend on Facebook? Sadly. it does in so many cases. Wishing you a satisfactory resolution.
It is great for bringing up memories from years ago, plus my StressedMum page
The exact same thing happened to my blog page last year. I was so devastated. I wasn’t so fussed about the followers but the memories and story I had shared there were all gone. I am sorry it also happened to you.
I am so sorry you have been through this, it is the memories and photos I am devastated about
Happy New Year! Life hacks – I always love to hear about how other families are coping… to get some inspiration
Happy New Year, that is a great discussion idea thank you
Hope you feel better soon, things can only get better
I really hope so
I would like to hear what everone is readin at the moment
As I love books that is a great discussion idea
Will try and think of some ideas! Sorry to read that you had a meltdown. Hopefully now that you have let it out you will start to feel a bit better. I think that the build up can come as lots of layers over time, until eventually something can just push you over the edge xx
It has only just released the pressure a bit and not really helped sadly
Happy New Year! 🎉 Your latest post was a good read. Sorry to hear about the Facebook issue – hope it gets resolved soon. Your openness about struggles is relatable. Loved the “What I Am Loving” section, especially the eco-friendly baby blanket. Exciting to hear about the upcoming feature and giveaways. Cheers to a fabulous 2024!
Happy New Year and thank you, one thing I do love is being open and honest which is something I have always done
I love giveaways. I can’t wait to see what you have for us!
There are some lovely ones coming soon
I’m afraid I don’t have any great ideas for topics. I’m sorry that you have had such a rough time and hope that you are able to get your Facebook issues sorted out.
Thank you, I am hoping I can get it back as well
Happy 2024. Thank you for sharing the challenges you faced and how you worked through them. I do look forward to what new ideas you write about. I will try to come up with some good ideas!
I haven’t really worked through them yet. I look forward to your ideas
Sorry to hear about the hard times you had over Christmas! I’ve heard so many have the same issue, it really is upsetting when a lot of our lives are on there. Would love to discuss money saving, tips and tricks in these times of penny pinching
It does seem a lot of people have suffered the same, which is why I am hoping this can be resolved. That is a great discussion idea
I would love to discuss Grandchildren and how the parenting is different and always seem to be treading on eggshells in case we do something wrong. Also no advice about your facebook but really sorry it has happened
What a great topic, and definitely one to discuss. It is a nightmare it is much more than just losing access