Alright gents.
I've taken a break from SBT for the past couple of months for the similar reasons. I've found this 3rd lockdown really hard for a number of reasons and the constant negativity (warranted or not) on here wasn't helping so I stepped away. That's not a dig at anyone btw.
As many of you will know, I was made redundant last year due to the pandemic - losing a £50k a year job (with decent commissions). When that's taken away from you and you've got a wife and 2 yr old to support, whilst paying a mortgage and bills and then you're 'locked in' for months, it's been tough. I've had a couple of teary episodes - not afraid to admit it. It's been tough.
My business is going well but cash flow concerns me at the end of every month once the bills are due although I know that the way the business is going, I'll be fine when we come out of lockdown and the world is a bit more normal. The next couple of months will be tough but I've done a lot to try and improve my mental health over the last few months to help.
Firstly, I've got an amazing relationship with my wife. We've got great communication so if one is feeling down, the other will bring the other one up. Our boy is at a testing age...he's amazing 95% of the time but the 5% when cooped up over the winter months wasn't easy. He also went through some sleep regression which affected us all.
I've tried to reduce negative influences in my life (sorry SBT - although I couldn't keep away!) but also unfollowed people on social media who were conspiracy theorists, moaners or fake (ie...isn't my life amazing on social media - when actually I know it's shit in real life). I've reduced the amount of time on social media, started running (up to 7km now!), listening to podcasts on meditation and have been eating healthy.
Whilst finances are still going to be tight for the short term, I'm feeling positive on many other fronts. So long as I can put things in perspective, keep open channels of communication with the Mrs, keep doing things to keep my mind and body active then I'm sure everything will be fine. There's certainly people in much worse situations than me as well to be fair.
If anyone is struggling and needs a private conversation, my door is ALWAYS open now, even if I'm not a regular poster like before.
Stay sane and healthy folks.
WM