Sounds like depression to me. Depression is often triggered by isolation, so you're not abnormal. Being winter, you're not getting out as much and may even be lacking in a bit of vitamin D - which you get from sunlight. If you can spend 10 mins a day getting a bit of sunshine and fresh air it might help. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it, as sometimes chemical imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and all manner of things can cause acute depression. Packing up and moving might not help at all, especially if it's something like a chemical imbalance. If it's a touch of cabin fever, moving may help, but it could add other problems that make your depression worse - like homesickness. You might just need a holiday. ??? Go see your doctor before doing anything else.

Hi, I'm sorry you are feeling badly.  Like the other mothers who have resposded, I agree. Depression is something taht is similar, but differnt with everyne.  Lots to read here too, search depression in articles/advice/tags. you can move, just know your problems will move with you until solved, the hyped days will end after move. In the mean time, 30 minuet day outside...you wil feel better and kids will be better behaved. first steps come from the gut, then days will be better.

google search: single/isolated/mother/depression

www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_women.htm

I live about 45 mins walk from our local shopping centre, but I still can't go out!  Not even on my own.  I worry too much about the pressure I put my partner under by leaving the girls with him.

Have you thought of doing something just for you.  Like writing.  Study from home.  A major craft project.  You could even see if there are groups in your area that interest you and join them. You could even join a gym that has a creche, the benefits of exercise are very good for body and mind.

Seriously, what you have written is exactly what I was like for about 4 years.  Minti was what finally dragged me out of it, and while I don't get out much, I feel validated as a person and a mother because my input counts and there is always someone to lean on when I need it.

I think you should go and see your doctor and talk to them about it.  I'm sensing that you are a single mum, but could be wrong there.  It's just what I am seeing from what you haven't written.  If you feel that moving will benefit you more, then do it.  A change is as good as a holiday, and the excitement can be good for the kids too.  Ours love moving and keep asking when we are going to do it again.

What you must do is get on top of it now.  I wish I had as soon as I realised I had a problem  because it got way out of hand and has taken me ages to get back to feeling more like me.

Hi, no one can really tell you whether it is going to pass or not as we are not you and each person deals with situations differently.  Has something happened in the last couple of months to get you down? 

I live in a small town and sometimes I find that I get down because i crave my old life back in the city and often get very homesick as I have no immediate family (apart from my hubby and daughter) living in the town. this means we don't get many breaks away from Chloe and sometimes it can become overbearing as much as we love her it would sometimes be nice for her grandparents to be able to babysit and spend time with her.  However, the sadness doesn't usually last as I realise what a wonderful life I do have and the great friendships I have made.  I guess what I am trying to say it that isolation can get you down but everyone deals with it differently.  If you are really concerned about your change in thoughts, mental state etc there is no hard in going to speak to your GP.  You might be suffering from depression and the doctor would be able to tell you the best way to manage it.

Best of luck!

Hi there ,I suffered post natal depression after my daughter but didnt know until she was 18 mnths old.I guess it would depend on how long you have felt this way,I would deffinately consult your dr as I just realized it has been for about a month or 2,deffinatley do not sell your home until you have seen a dr as it may be something you may regret later on and if it is depression it may not help ,but the added stress of selling could make it worse,I know what it is like to sell ur home as we are trying to sell ours atm and is a very stressfull time.Please visit your Dr as soon as possible.

                                                                 Cham