Fight vs Flight

I try to live a generally happy life. I work two jobs trying to keep bills paid and roof over my head. I've got a man who loves me and we're trying to plan a wedding for next year. I have a step daughter who'll be 3 next month and she seems to get along with me alright.

But in the past few months that nagging feeling has been hitting me again. That urge to run, to get the hell out of dodge. I don't just wanna disappear to some beach and leave the world behind I want to do something with my life. Like to go to Africa or some 3rd world country and work with children or do something to make my life feel like it's worth something. I don't just want to run but to see the world and come back with stories to tell.

Then I think back on those who need me and I find myself stuck here and generally unhappy. I love my man and his little girl like she was my own, and even my jobs are decent enough, but I'm just not happy. I'm in a constant fight or flight feeling. Do I fight it off and stay or fly and try to make a life for myself elsewhere...?

You mean something to that little girl and her dad. When you get married you take an even bigger role in her life and you will help shape her into the woman she will become. To me that's doing something with your life.

Hey Naatta,

I know this feeling all too well. It's incredibly frustrating to say the least.

Have you ever considered finding a volunteer agency in your local community? There are some great programs for at risk children. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a great one.

All the best!

Sorry you feel so unsettled, that's such a hard place to be. Would you feel better once used to a different place, or take this issue with you? You are bringing up a child, I believe that is the most important and hardest job in the world. You are a huge part of that little girl's world. Would she understand if you left her? Would Kaylord's idea be any help? I expect you're stretched and tired too. Sending all the good thoughts and wishes I can as you consider your way forward.

My fight or flight reflect is so strong I battle it all the time, when I´m at home I´m usually to be found screaming at the top of my lungs and kicking off or running away to hide and cry alone in the car. My family love me they just don´t love or understand my depression. I´m trying to accept that it isn´t their fault that I want to run away from them sometimes but it must hurt them. I´m seeing a therapist to help me and to help me be honest with my husband about seeing a therapist, I haven´t told him yet so maybe I´m not the best person to be giving advice about marriage, just telling my story.

Can you talk to your partner and explain the feeling? It could me anxiety over the commitment and he might be feeling something similar. It´s a big step and being a wife and mother are two amazing achievements that society doesn´t recognise as much as it should and is a million times harder than any other journey or adventure you could dream of!