Snaping for No Reason

I have been feeling the same way for a long time. I know part of it is pms. But at time i don't even like myself. I think i'm going through the change. I'm only 42 but they say i could be happening. I really don't have any advice just wanted to let you know you are not alone. If i do find something that will work i will post it.

A.
I am/ was in the same situation you are, I did nothing but snap and complain. It got to the point were the kids did not want to be in the same room with me. I heard " she's in a bad mood again" way to may times. I finally went to my docter and he put me on an antidepressant and it is working great. It is only a temp. fix for me till I finish my LPN program. He said it is situational stress and it nothing to worry about. and I am not going to be on them my whole life.
My kids and husband and I are all much happier now.

Have you ever had signs of depression? That's the way that I used to get when it was time for me to go back on my anti- depressants. You can go to a depression website and take a test to see if maybe you have signs. That's all I can think of. Hope it helps.

I took Lexapro and it really seemed to mellow out my mood swings. Things that used to bother you just don't anymore.

Make an appointment and talk with your doctor. It may be depression, it may just be stress and you need a break. Your doctor will be able to determine more so if it is depression and your need help in the form of anti-depressants. Or, if it is just stress, it will feel good to talk to someone and then you have a physicians order to get a break!

I too have been where you are and it's not fun. It's scary to talk to your doctor too as I had to tell my doctor that I really felt like physically hurting someone but thankfully my subconscious knew this was wrong so I didn't. If your doctor is a good one, they will understand and help you vs. judge you.

Good luck and keep us posted.

You need time alone to get away from the stress. You will feel refreshed after. Set some guidelines in your family so everyone is not coming at you at the same time and have some "ME" time each day so that you don't feel like you want to snap all the time...Good Luck

Hi, I am here to lend you some emotional support by telling you that you are not alone. I am also dealing with the same issue. I did suffer from postpartum depression with child number 2, and sometimes I wonder if there is something else going on. Like the other ladies say, find "me" time, get enough sleep, and try to exercise. I do exercise but I am still need to find "me" time and get enough sleep, and I know I have to make that a priority. Like the lady that responded just before me, I also just started to read the "Love and Logic" books by Jim Fay and that is really helping me to see things with a different light. I have started using the "techniques" in the book and I see my 4 and 2 year olds responding differently already. Anger and frustration take on how your children grow up as well and that is what it really made me put my foot down and start trying really hard to solve this. Take care and good luck!

Have you ever had your hormone levels checked?? I don't just mean estrogen either. It could also be thyroid. I had graves disease when I was 22 and I have to take thyroid supplement every day because mine no longer works. If my levels go off, one of the first signs is that I get emotional easily. Angry or crying. If that isn't the culprit, then do you have any down time for you?? Or adult conversation outside of home?? Everyone needs a little time to themselves. L. S

Sometimes it really helps me to have some downtime to read, write, take a bath, work my feet (for a massage...altho getting one from someone else feels much better as I relax more!), paint or draw... just take time for yourself doing something that puts you in extreme joy.

Being with the kids is draining! Sometimes the Hubby's in our life never understand this.

Try it and see if it doesn't make a difference?

Hi A.,

I was going through the same thing a few weeks ago. What really helped me was #1, getting more sleep! I made it a point to go to bed earlier and that made me less edgy. Another thing that helped was that I got a part time job. I only work 3-4 days a week for 4-5 hours a night. I work nights when my hubby is off of work. The time away from the kids really helped, working around other adults really helped me regain some sanity! I dont' get paid much but it's not about the money, I've been soo much happier just getting out the the house!

Good Luck :)

A.,
Hey don't be too hard on yourself. I think it is normal at times to have low patience and be on or over the edge. My husband used to work 2nd shift too. So we wouldn't see eachother Mon-Friday only on the weekends. I work f/t 1st shift Mon-Friday. This would mean after work I did everything by myself at night baths, dinner, homework, entertaining the kids etc..... . I adjusted pretty well with this but there where and are defiantly times where my 2 girls ages 6 and 3 years old drive me bannana's:) Also me and my husband did argue more because we werent seeing eachother very much. Sure we talked on our cell phones but it wasn't the same. Both my girls are good kids but they defiantley are high mainteance as far as always wanting me to entertain them and needing my attention. I love spending time with my girls but also I like "me time" too. I used to feel guilty about needing that time to myself on occassion but I think I'm a better mom now that I actually recognize this and allow myself to have this. I think it sounds like your not getting that "me time' or "just you and your hubby time".I would try to make that a priority and don't feel guilty by doing it. Wheter that means asking for help with babysitting or asking the relatives maybe grandma and grandpa to pitch in a little more. Maybe your husband can help out with the kids so you can get some time away to yourself. My husband and I realistically try to have date night at least 2 Times a month. Its something to look forward too. Hope this helps. Your not alone. Being a mom is alot of work and is the hardest job I've ever done. There is no such thing as perfect. Just be the best mom you can be, and tommorow is a new day.

Take Care

N.

i'm sorry you are feeling like this - i have been thru something similar myself. for me, i felt like i was on an emotional rollercoaster and the guilt i felt after snapping at my kids or hubby made it worse. i recently started on paxil , which has helped a ton with my mood swings yet i'm still feeling a lot of anxiety. maybe this is something to consider. could be hormones or medications you have stopped or started taking. i've also heard of people with thyroid problems being easily irritable. i was also checked for this but the tests came back fine. please see your doc, i bet just talking to him/her about it and getting the ball rolling and someone on your side will help you start to feel better. best of luck and remember you don't have to deal with this on your own!!

I feel your angst! I am the mother of a very social four-year old who requires "all eyes and ears" on her! She is quite the performer, "Ms. Chatty Cathy" we call her. But I have been assured that it's normal for that age. I am also an exercise physiologist & yoga instructor ... so my best advice would be to pencil-in/schedule yourself some quality time ALONE! =) I know that may seem like a luxury ... but as moms, we need it now more than ever ... for our own sanity and to help maintain a peaceful home!

Maybe encourage the hubby to hang out with the kids for an hour or so while you enjoy a relaxing soak, read, journal, meditate or even exercise. When we take the time to nurture & care for ourselves ... it makes us better equipped and more available to care for others! Also, look into your nutrition ... if you find yourself too busy to eat regularly, you may be experiencing bouts of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) which is known to make people agitated/uneasy or even cross! If quiet personal time/exercise/nutritional changes don't work, consider consulting with a counselor to help get to the root of the those feelings.

Best of luck!

http://www.urbanwellnessgroup.org

Hi A.,

Well the first thing I would like to do is congratulate you for asking for help and admitting you are having a problem. So many women feel that if they are having a problem they have to keep it private or someone will think that they aren't perfect and resemble a human or something. The second thing is get the book "Created To Be His Help Meet". This book changed my life and my relationship with my husband which trinkled down to all other relationships. I cannot image how hard it must be to have a husband working afternoons. Last thing is take sometime just for you, if you have a hobbie do it or if there is someplace you like to go, go. Atleast, 1 evening a week for a couple of hours or so, you need to check out and leave the responsiblities of wife and mother and focus on A.. I will be praying for you...

Oh, by the way the website where you can order the book if you are interested is: nogreaterjoy.org

A little about me:
I am a homemaker and teacher to my 2 beautiful girls 10 and almost 14. I am married to a wonderful, godly man who is self employed.

Well, actually you sound a lot like me about a year ago. I spoke to my doctor and we came up with ways to decrease my stress.....taking time out for me a couple of times per day, making arrangements with hubby to be able to talk about my "issues" instead of him doing all the talking all the time, taking up an interest of my own, and a bit of exercise and diet change didn't hurt either.

A.,

How have you been sleeping lately? I have sleep apnea and need to use a CPAP machine so I don't wake up numerous times a night because I stop breathing. If you are not sleeping well (and don't know it) it can affect your mood, weight, health, etc.

I called my health insurance and they covered the sleep study. It is worth checking out.

Also, do you have allergies? If you are allergic to mold (this is a hard time for mold sufferers) stay away from aged cheese, yeast breads, and mushrooms. Mold sufferers have a hard time right now, because even though the mold isn't growing the spores are no longer covered up with snow and are blowing around in the wind. If you eat a lot of cheese and yeast breads, these "normal" molds may be causing you to be extra sensitive to the outdoor spores. By limiting what you eat you will be giving your body a chance to deal with the outdoor problems without over-reacting, like it might be now.

One last suggestion. My husband tells our very chatty son (he can talk for an hour and a half straight if we let him) when it is quiet time for daddy. During quiet time our son cannot talk out loud. It gives our ears and emotions a break and teaches our son self-control and other people's feelings.

I hope these suggestions help. Good luck!

Hello A.-
I feel for you. Do you ever get anytime to yourself or is everyone else more important? I get that way. I make sure I get time to myself some how. The barter system is great. Have you talked to your dr? You owe to yourself to find out some outlet. I will put in prayers.

When I have a short fuse I take the homeopathic remedy 'Nux Vomica'. You can find it in your local health food store, there are no side affects and if it's going to help it works w/i an hour. Good luck and breathe.

Mom,when was the last time you took some time for yourself? I'm not talking running to the grocery store alone... I mean taking at least one overnight away from the SO and the children ??? I am normally an easy going person, but I get annoyed fairly easily. When I find myself snapping at people for no apparent reason, then it's time to go for a bit, just overnight! It does wonders. If you feel it's more than that, get some counseling! Best of luck.

Hi A.,

I have that problem sometimes too. When I find myself getting that way, I do my best to adjust my attitude to one of thankfulness, instead of annoyance. I'm so blessed to have a loving husband and wonderful children, and I focus on how to show my love to them. It works! But that doesn't mean that I don't ever get annoyed again :) Cut yourself some slack (you're only human!) and enjoy your loved ones.

Happy Easter!
L.

Hello A.,

I know how you feel and you are overwhelmed, you need to take sometime for yourself and yes I know that's not easy, and sometimes impossible, I have 3 children and for many years my husband was out of town and didn't have anyone who took my children and they weren't young enough to leave alone so I know it's not easy to just do it, but you need to when you get the chance to go to the store alone go and take the extra time to take a book or something your interested in and go to the store then go for a drive or go visit someone, take the time to yourself to be with yourself, it's a must and if your busy all the time it makes it harder and no guilt, I had that for years about doing stuff they way it is though is you need to be sane to be a wife and mother or at least partially sane, don't think there is a sane when your married, have kids..lol. take some time, go away for a night send them all away for a night just enjoy yourself, I stopped feeling guitly for several reasons, the main and most important was I didn't want to be a loony person, no wants that so make the time and do it. try it out and don't feel guilty you need the time as well as everyone around you also needs time for themselves and surely they get it so why can't you. Hope this helps..

#1-you need time for yourself-frequently-do something you enjoy like working out, reading, listening to music, etc.
#2-you are not snapping for "no reason"--figure out the reason, because there IS one. Be honest w/yourself.
K.

Hi,
I have been there many times. I now have an ex-husband who would drive up the driveway & my mood would change instantly. I was a stay-at-home mom of three at the time. I found that getting away a couple nights a week for mommy time made me appreciate the time I had with my children. It also makes a difference with my new husband. We have a 1 1/2 year old daughter. I have 4 children now!! So maybe a hobby-classes-home based biz. Whatever would give you a new focus. You are still putting your family first by taking care of you & your needs.

I'm on the outside looking in, from a been there, done that perspective. My advice - go to the doctor, and do not delay. I suffered from post partum depression with my second child, as well as anxiety issues. I was put on an antidepressent, but also an anti-anxiety drug. I've been weened off both, but the anxiety drug has remained a fixture in my medicine cabinet with instructions to take as needed. I can usually feel the "attacks", or see it in my responses, so take one immediately - it has a fairly quick response time, and then continue to take one a day for a few days. You may need to take one for a long time, or it may be when needed - I think each case is different.

You wouldn't by chance be in the early stages of menopause would you?
Frankly tho I do understand. It gets to a person after a while to repeat one's self with little to no result.
Set some boundaries. "Mommy needs some quiet time right now. It'd be good time to color or read a book or watch some tv". I mean what if you got chatty when they're watchng tv? They wouldn't like it either.

And why can't SO help out here? He's home, he should understand your need for a few minutes of quiet (IF you've conveyed that to him) and he could entertain while you get some peace.

It isn't just up to you to maintain a sense of normalcy in the house. If you have what appears to be a family unit, act together as a supportive family unit. If there's too much unbalance, something's bound to blow.

I went through this myself. I started taking an antidepressant which helped some. The other thing that helped a lot was getting away alone when you can. Try a tanner, just for relaxation and quiet time. Shopping alone if only for groceries. Excerise class, etc. Whatever your interests are. And finally, and most importantly, get a support system. I started to attend church regularly, I participate in anything they offer that has childcare availble. At my church, there are many activities with childcare. This has imprved my life in many ways. The friendships I am forming, the low cost activities they provide, and the support I receive are wonderful.

It's hard with a second shift spouse. You feel like a single mom. I hope your husband helps you more than mine does when he's home.

Good Luck, Hang in there!

Hi A.,
As someone who has been going through perimenopause for about 4 years or so I can tell you I've been going through a lot of hormonal changes and feel the same way as you do right now. Just last night I had a very uncomfortable feeling and when my husband wanted to get intimate I couldn't stand being touched. Normally there has never been a problem between us. Maybe check with your doctor. There can be so many things that can have us acting strange.
Hope my advice along with others will help you quickly get back to the old you. Good luck!

I got like that for awhile as well. I am sure there are a million reasons why and different methods for solving them. Here are a few tips that helped me.
1- start working out; the gym makes you feel good about yourself and helps to relieve stress. It is your time.
2 - Get some friends, playdates. Being around other moms and children can put your life into perspective-make you grateful for what you have.
3- simplify your life. Are you trying to do too much, well stop it. You are a mom. You dont need added stress or guilt. Cut corners where you can-dinner could be easier, less work hours, less responsibilities outside the home.
4- breath. When you realize what you are doing try to stop. Breath. Calm yourself down. Apologize. You will eventually get sick of apologizing all of the time (i sure did-it was annoying to have to say sorry all the time) and you will slowly get better and catch yourself before you snap, instead of after.

I get that way about 10 days before my period and sometimes during... I have to chattie kids and a afternoon shift hubby too... I'd like to hear the responses..

Just know you AREN'T alone..

Hi A.: i am a grandmother who had 2 girls. Now i have grandkids. I can relate to your feelings, that i had a long time ago. Are you in a climate that is still witnessing winter? That alone, being stuck in the house and children under your feet all day long, can cause depression. Also, you mentioned your husband works an afternoon shift. You probably are not getting enough help from him with the children (you did not mention their ages and if they are boys or girls.) you definitely need time to get away. Even if you go to the supermarket alone without the kids. Have your husband, neighbor or relative watch them. Plus take the time to speak with your husband about what is bothering you. Don't keep it in. Communicate with your loved one. You are yelling at the children because you are unhappy about something that you are holding inside. Perhaps, disappointment with your life, your marriage, etc. One other reason is perhaps, you are a diabetic, and have not been tested, as that effects your moods. So look at each one of the reasons i mentioned. Analyze each one and yourself. Perhaps, you will come to the solution.
Good luck. Remember you only go around once. So make the most of it. Okay. Hope i have been helpul!!!

This is going to sound so simple, but it sounds like you need a break. How often do you get time to yourself? Try to find some time to be by yourself, even if it's going to the store or locking yourself in the bathroom with a magazine.

Are you happy in other areas of your life? IS it possible you might be a little depressed?

As moms, we tend to take on too much responsibility and put ourselves last. You need to make sure you are still a person, not just someone's mommy. Do some nice things for yourself and make sure you take some 'me' time!

I wish that I could sit down with you had have a vent session about this because I have days like that, too! No one ever tells you how frustrating being a Mommy can be! The other day at the store, I was trying very hard to not yell at my children (who were annoying me to no end!) and a lady smiled and said, "Some day you'll miss this." I said, "I sure hope so, because I'm tired of it now!"

Do you ever get away by yourself? I have found that even just going grocery shopping alone helps! Even if it's only once every other week or so, you need to get away for a couple of hours without your kids. It's best if you can get away to do something that you enjoy. For me, it's scrapbooking. A bonus is that I'm looking at cute pictures of them and remember happy times so I actually look forward to seeing them again! If your hubby's schedule makes that difficult, you could trade time with a friend, or I know that some places have a mother's day out program. Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Jenison has one on Wednesday from 10-2. There are also programs like MOPS where you go in one room and your kids are cared for in another room (separated by age) and they do fun activities while you have adult time!

Another thing I'm guilty of is trying to get too much done during the day. If I'm constantly being interrupted by my kids (which happens because they want my attention) then I get frustrated more quickly with them. If I try to keep my to-do list short and spread it out throughout the day (to give myself plenty of time with my kids) the day goes much more smoothly! I have found that they really only need my attention for about 15 minutes and then they play happily for the next 30 - 45 minutes.

One more thing that has helped me quite a bit is a book called "Love and Logic: birth to 6 years". Basically, it describes how to put the responsibility of your child's actions back on them. It has helped me to not yell at them so much (I have to admit that I still do yell at them sometimes, but not as often) because I know other ways to handle them. When I use the Love and Logic techniques, my kids and I are typically much happier at the end of the day.

Clearly, you are overwhelmed by everything right now. Stress can be a ugly thing! You don't mention how old your children are or if you work outside the home. What do you do for yourself? Do you have any time alone without the kids? Are you getting enough sleep? I tend to lose it when I'm sleep deprived! It sounds to me that you desperately need some time to reclaim yourself and reconnect with your center. I highly recommend walking! There is something about being outside that grounds me every time (no pun intended!). And, don't be too hard on yourself. If you don't take care of your physical, emotional and spiritual needs, you won't have anything to give to your family. Good luck.

Peace to you.

Hi A.:

Thank you for asking for help! Plan and simple, get it.

Call your insurance plan and find out where you can go to get therapy - you will need a Medical doctor there to get a script for something to help with the anxiety. Wellbuetrin may help you to start, and it does not effect your sexual drive.

Get the help as soon as possible, as you do not want it to effect your children, keeping love in the relationship will allow your children to develop both physically and mentally, yelling or not having patience with your kids can lead to bad behaivor with your children, and may ruin your relationship with your family.

Sounds like you care and want to find a solution. Please take the steps to ease the tension you are feeling and understand that your children and husband are the most important things in your life - they are your life!

You may also want to consider finding time for you. Absence makes the heart grow fonder! Give yourself your time, see if there is a mom to mom group, or simply take a day to go shopping or give yourself a breather outside of the home and family.

You are right finding someone outside of the relationship to speak to is good medicine, just make sure it is good advice. I would seek therapy to help you work through the issues you are feeling, they can give you fresh perspectives.

Keep in mind we all have these types of things in our lives, some are not as open and hold it in, I congratulate you for speaking up and searching for answers!

M.

It sounds like you need some time for yourself without the hubby or kids around. Is there someone that could watch the kids while you go out to a movie, go get a pedicure, just walk around the mall? Could you leave them with your husband for a couple hours and call a girlfriend to get together/vent? Sometimes, you just need to get out of the "Mom" or "Wife" role for a while and just be yourself. Good luck!

I agree with what everyone else has said. Maybe you need a little "Mommy Time" every day. Take a bath or go for a quick walk.
Is it possible you're pregnant? I am the most irritable when I am (Like now)
Good luck.

A., I've been there. I personally suffer from manic-depression and will lose it with my angels especially at certain times of the month (like this morning:() I'd talk to your doctor about your hormone balance and possible anti-depressants. I've found that that helps but the only real solution I've found is prayer. Hope that helps.
H.

Sounds like one of the following to me: hormones, sleep-deprivation, illness, depression, or low blood sugar. Possibly too much caffeine. Can you take a walk or do some other exercise every day if you can? Be sure you are eating enough protein & often enough. Journalling has helped me if I have no one handy to vent to. Things like this are usually short-term. Hope it is. G. B.

Been there. Sorry that you are going through it. I take a dietary supplement called "Bliss" when I feel edgy and it really helps me not to snap. In fact, I even feel calm. No sleepy side effects either!

I can tell you more...

S.
____@____.com

Hi A.,
I too snap a lot. I have 4 children the youngest is 2 and I am 41 and just lately started an exercise progam at the powerhouse and I get up at 430am and work out from 5 to 6. It makes me feel better about my self and then I am not so touchy and unhappy. I scrapbook too while my husband keeps the kids downstairs- so I get a little quiet and time to be creative. We all snap, I have snapped at teachers, hockey coaches, mainly because I felt my kids were not treated fairly-- so give yourself a break and a pat on the back because being a mom and raising kids in the hardest job there is.
Take care of yourself, buy a new outfit, see your doctor you may need an antidepressant or antianxiety med for a while. There is no harm or shame in that, we all want to raise our kids the best we can and sometimes we need medical intervention. Exercising has helped me feel better about my body, having had 4 kids I have developed a muffin top over my c section scar and with goals set to improve my body shape I don't focus as much on things that irritate me. You are not alone. L.

Hi Dear,

You sound as if you may be a bit depressed, and it may be winter blues.

Try to determine what is REALLY bugging you. Is it lack of alone time? Sex? Demands? And address that.

Find at least ONE thing you do FOR YOURSELF, and it does not have to be expensive, and do it daily until you feel a need to do a different thing for yourself. You can get lost in the chaos of your own life with all the demands that are placed on you.

hang in there!

A. - My hubby is on afternoons sometimes too. It's so hard doing dinner, baths, and bed by yourself! I empathsize! Have you talked to your doctor about some anti-depressants? Maybe a therapist? I've used both for some of the same reasons you listed and they both help!! Good luck.

I agree with the other ladies as well. Try to get as much me time in as possible even if it is some time on the computer playing a game by yourself in silence (one of my faves). It wouldn't hurt to see your doc either to get a check up to see if somethin extra with the evil hormones we all have is going on. Gl hun and you definately are not alone xxxxxx

maybe you should have your thyroid checked. I have no thyroid due to cancer, and when I come off my meds for a scan (thankfully not very often!), I get VERY moody and irritable. You can look online to see other hypothyroid symptoms and see if they fit, too. Also, it's not uncommon to have thyroid problems after having a child.
hope you feel better!
D.

sounds like you need a break! if you can't get one, you probably should talk to a doctor. there are pro's and con's for any treatment but something needs to change quickly for you and for your family. hopefully you don't take offense to this...I wouldn't be saying anything if I hadn't been there myself...none of you deserves to feel this way, I grew up with a mom that acted as you are describing and it definitely affected us kids. When I started acting the same way with my kids I did something about it, it has made a huge difference for us. good luck to you!

I agree with so many of the other responses: this could be hormones! But also, this happened to me last summer-- so bad that one of my husband's friends made a joke about it because it was so out of character for me and it was making everyone uncomfortable. THEN I found out I was pregnant with Baby #2. My advice is to pray about it, find another woman to confide in (NOT someone to complain to, but someone to mentor you and help support you). Make sure you get enough time by yourself (easier said than done, I know), and make sure you make time to spend with your hubby WITHOUT kids. Spend a day by yourself and try to figure out if what's causing you to lose your patience is a feeling you're harboring and can't let go of, or if it's not something you can pinpoint, in which case it could be a hormonal imbalance. I did also have this problem with birth control pills, as did my best friend. She ended up getting on an antidepressant to "reset" herself, then going off it. It worked wonders for her. As for me, I changed birth control methods (well, this was before I got pregnant), and stopped taking the pill entirely. As soon as we have this baby, my husband will be getting a vasectomy so we don't have to worry about "crazy mumma" again (which is what I was on the pill). GOOD LUCK!!!

Talk to your doctor, if you can. Sometimes it is hormonal, sometimes it is anxiety or depression. There could be something in your diet doing it to you, too. If this isn't your "normal" personality, doctors will help you pinpoint the issue. I have a really good doctor (female) that helped me. Good luck!

Hi A.!!

Sounds like you are extremely stressed. Do you get any time alone at all? If you can take a "me" hour, even once every couple of days, try to do that. It may help ease the stress.

However... This sounds terribly familiar and you may want to consider going to see your dr for an antidepressant. Several years ago I was always feeling on the edge of screaming at my hubby, cranky and feeling evil. Some days I felt like I could just jump out of my skin, so I went to my dr and she prescribed me Zoloft. I have been on Zoloft for about 4 - 5 years now, and I have to tell you it makes all the difference in the world. I went off for a while and I was a raging you know what again. I started out at a super low dose (50mg) and even now I am only on 100mg, but if I go a couple of days without it, it is noticable to everyone around me.

I hope you didnt take offense to this!! It's just my opinion and my personal experience.

Good luck!

A. -
Wow! We could be the same person!!!! I eventually found out (after putting my husband through hell for a few years) that my birth control pill was making me exhibit bi-polar symptoms. Sounds like you're wound pretty tight these days...very tense. If you have a doctor that you trust, try talking to him/her. Get some blood work, hormone levels, B12, etc. This could just be how you react to stress. You may not even be aware of how stressed out you are. I also have food allergies that if I eat too much of my problem foods, I fall into a depression.
I did realize that a lot of my problem with my husband stemmed from resentment. I felt I was doing everything and he did nothing at home. That built up and caused a lot of problems before I realized that I needed to put my foot down and take care of myself first!

Wow, you sound like me! I'll be following your responses! I have been feeling "touchy" for a while now, and some days are better than others. I think I've been feeling overwhelmed. Like I wish my husband would help out more without me asking, and maybe if I was working our finances would be better, but no degree, so pay would be low & I don't have the time or money for school right now, therefore I'm stressed about money & frustrated. I feel like I can't do much about it, so I'm irritated in general and my family are the only ones around to take it out on. I tell you my story, because if you sit down & think what is really bugging you, you may realize your reasons. What would you say to your husband if you could talk without fighting? Maybe write it down & give it to him. If you had 2 hours to yourself what would you do? I joined an exercise class & love it. You just put this out & have many responses already! Know you have support!

I am no doctor, but I think you are suffering from depression. Anger is a big part of it. I suffer from it and most of my family does too. It sounds to me like this is what you are experiencing. The other thing though is lack of sleep. Are you getting your rest? This could make it worse if not. Hang in there, but I would recommend talking to your doctor.

A.,

Do you have a support group where other mother's with children would free you up with you doing something in return for you? Or Mom's Day Out? Sometimes a local church group has these support groups and they trade "chores" with others. Maybe you need a date night with hubby, or just take a day of shopping by yourself. I don't have any kids of my own but babysit 4. I was babysitting full time with hardly a break at all. I finally asked if I could reduce my hours because I was getting so burned out not having any free time to myself. We're working it out so that I can have a couple of days off a week, sometimes more. In the fall it will be easier for me since I won't have the children that long, 1-2 hrs at the most.

Take time to pamper yourself too. Get yourself a massage (if you can afford one), take a bubble bath, etc. You need some me time once in a while.

T. V.

Have you recently gone on or switched birth control pills? I had similar experiences when I went back on birth control pills after my second daughter was born. I can't recall which one it was (she's 11 now) but I clearly recall having a rare out of body experience seeing myself yelling at my older child - frightening to say the least. Years later I went on another pill that had me contemplating divorice and writing dark poetry (and I'm not much of poetry fan) - I was very angry. I went off it after a few months and didn't experience these feelings again. If this is not the issue, we all need time to ourselves once in awhile especially when the kids are little and demanding. Plan a night or day out by yourself and do something just for you - dinner with a friend, go scrapbook at a craft shop, to the salon, etc.