Hi, I'm a new single mom here. I found the site while searching for single parent resources. Although I have been a single mom for many years, I have recently decided to seek some support from other single parents.

I'm a single mom of two, my daughter is 10 and my son is 9. I have been a single parent for over 8 years now. I love being a mom, and wouldn't give it up for anything.

About 3 years ago, I started my own business. And that has been wonderful. It has allowed me to work from home so that I'm home for my children and can be available for them and their school activities. And although it has required working more hours than most full time jobs, and sometimes an unsteady income, it has been a great experience.

Although being a single mom has always been a struggle, I've managed to make it through the last 8 years fairly well...until recently. I have struggled with high blood pressure and depression off and on for years now. Of course the dr's and I have been attributing it all to the stressfulness of my life as a single parent. Off and on meds for both through the last 6 years has been a little crazy, but I usually manage to push through and keep going. And the occasional days that I can't seem to push through, I would get frustrated with myself for not pushing through the depression.

Well, I have very recently found out that that frustration was only adding to my stres level, as I have actually been quite sick for some time and was just never diagnosed. I'm still awaiting some test results and a final diagnosis, but at this point its looking like some sort of kidney disease/failure. And a progressed stage at that.

I'm scared and struggling to stay upbeat and positive for my children. There is much other going on in our lives that adds to this new stress. Essentially things have hit the very rock bottom emotionally, financially and physically....what a year so far.

If you've managed to make it through my novel this far, I thank you! hehe I would welcome any encouragement/support/advice that any of you would be willing to send my way.

I applaud all of us single parents that work so hard, its a hard job, harder than your average person realizes. And we all deserve awards for it...and we get those awards in the beauty of our children and the love we receive!

welcome welcome hope you find the support here you need.

Hi Singlemomx2...

It is amazing what we... who decide to stick by the children we made... can go through. Unfortunately if we are not careful, doing the right thing can cause illness due to the high level of stress. I am really sorry to hear what you are going through.

I think more than anything, you need to make time for you. Trust me... I know it seems impossible sometimes. I only have one... and if I get a free hour every week I feel like I have hit the mega millions jackpot!

About a year ago, I went to counseling for the firt time in my 31 year old life. I was suffering from depression and trying to balance a demanding career with being a parent first. After the first session, the counselor concluded that I wasn't depressed as much as I was overwhelmed by everything going on in my life... Is there anyone that you can talk to who will listen openly without judgement? I know you are self-employed, but do you have insurance that would allow you to speak with a professional? If nothing else, it will gaurantee you an hour every week!

I'll be praying for you and your health...

Thank you deberealla and jael'smom.
To answer your question jael'smom yes I do have some wonderful friends (including one that is a single mom as well) that I am able to talk to. The two people I was closest to though have abandoned me within the last three months since finding out about my health issues. So that has added some stress.
As self-employed I do not have health insurance, but am looking into a low-cost option to see a therapist. I have seen a therapist in the past as well as been a part of support groups so I do know the value of it.

Welcome to the forum. I'm so sorry i didn't see this thread earlier. i try to read all the threads and give support or advise someway. You came to right place. we are very supportive community and we have habit of picking someone up when they are down. Sorry to hear about your health issues. I totally understand the health issue. i'm fighting breast cancer right now.

you are one brave woman and keep your chin up. if you need to vent and then vent girl.

Well we won't feel lonely anymore....welcome~~~~