I find that certain times are just more stressful than others--for example, the beginning of school is tough for everybody. I sure saw a lot of stressed-out parents trying to find the school supplies they needed for their kids last week. There's a "stress scale" designed by Holmes and Rahe, in which they list different situations and give a point value for stress for each one. "Christmas" scores as a stressful time, for example.

I think once school gets under way, and things settle down a bit, then life will get better. I know what you mean about the other stressors, though. I have a good friend with cancer, who has decided against treatment; a mother-in-law with dementia; a son who was just diagnosed with ADD; etc.

Hang in there! We will get a brief break from stress every so often!