Hi everyone. I've read all the comments in this thread and the main thrust seems to be that we all feel a sense of guilt.Guilt that we are no longer the person we were and also to some degree depression because we have difficulty dealing with other peoples perception of who we have become. It's 10 years since my SAH and I have accepted that I am not who I used to be. Maybe I'm fortunate because I have lost all my memories prior to my SAH. therefore I have no past. No childhood, no wedding, no sons childhood, nothing. Anything prior to 2001 has gone.BUT it has advantages because without the memories there is no guilt, no regrets, no sadness.I still have side effects from my SAH some nights I have to go to bed at 7 oclock because I am exhausted and feel that I could just lie down on the floor and go to sleep. I have migranesque type visual disturbances - aura without headache on a regular basis and I still have severe headaches.BUT although I no longer teach I do own a B&B and I also have a cleaning business so my life has not ended. My point is this - we have all changed and it is not our fault so we shouldn't feel apologetic or depressed about something that was outside our control. If family or friends are struggling to cope with the changed us then that is their problem. It's not our fault. Don't feel guilty for your SAH. If it has changed you and you are aware of the changes try to accept and embrace the different you, Consider it a challenge. My brain may have suffered a trauma but I still feel the same person I was before the SAH. Please dont allow yourselves to become a victim. Life is too short and everyone on this site should be grateful that they are functioning well enough to even post on here.The majority of the poor souls I encountered in Newcastle General in my 3 weeks there were either severely disabled or dead. Just be thankful you're able to read and understand this post even if you do feel anxious,depressed,headachy or just plain scared.You need to be alive to feel all those emotions!!!!
Kel !I also have a load of Christmas cards that I have written and have forgotten to send. Some of my rellies haven't had a card since 2003
It's just an occupational hazard but it certainly saves money!