I’M DRINKING AFTER THE SCHOOL RUN

Dear Coleen

I’m really struggling at the moment. I have two kids and my husband works away a lot. I’m worried about our financial situation and keeping everything going.

Recently, since the kids have gone back to school, I’ve had a glass of wine after the school run on some particularly stressful mornings to take the edge off and steady my nerves.

I know it’s wrong and a slippery slope, but I feel better afterwards, at least for a while. I’ve never been a drinker, which is even stranger.

My kids are fine and doing well at school, but I feel so stressed and feel like I’m parenting alone most of the time.

Before the children came along, I had a good job and didn’t worry about much. Have you any advice?

Coleen says

I think you need to reach out and ask for help from friends and family. Some people find it really hard to ask for help, but sometimes you just have to admit you need extra support.

You sound isolated, as if you’ve withdrawn into yourself a bit and, instead of reaching out, you’re relying on other things to take the edge off – like that glass of wine.

You know that’s not the answer and it won’t make you feel better long-term, so deal with it now before it becomes a daily thing.

You need to admit to your husband that you’re not coping and discuss what you’re worried about – it sounds like you’re missing his support and feel lonely.

Make an appointment to see your GP – he or she might suggest counselling or even recommend medication to help you through this difficult time.