The Undertaker Mum

Today is World Mental Health Day The fact that we need a 'day' to raise awareness stresses how dire the situation is. I've seen a lot on social media, online and on the television advising people to 'get help'; 'always ask for the help you need' and telling people 'it's ok not to be ok'. Whilst this advice is absolutely bang on, and I would encourage anyone suffering to always try and get some form of help, the sad fact is that a lot of the time, that help just isn't there. Our wonderful NHS is stretched to the point of collapse, and as a result mental health services are at breaking point - if they're there at all. It sounds like a simple thing to go to the doctors to get help, but the reality is that should you be lucky enough to be taken seriously, the help you need following that appointment is anything up to 12 months away. Most people are struggling to make it to the end of that day, never mind wait a year. During a stay i...

So this morning started off rather normal. Well, as normal as it can be with 4 children in the house. A Peppa Piig marathon to ensure the youngest would comply with getting dressed for nursery. The other three took on the resemblance of the progression from Neanderthal Man to present day Homo Sapien. All children dropped off at their destinations and home by 0800. Not a bad start. Til I got in the house. Eldest had left his house keys and school planner on his bed. He needs his school planner in every lesson otherwise its a detention. Bollocks. Off back to school I go with the keys and planner. Get to school as his bus is pulling into the car park, but obviously because I'm not a member of staff I can't even drive through the fucking school gates for fear of being lynched by the PTFA brigade. Off you sod love. Get to the school building and of course thing one has now gone into school. Finally find a teacher and explain what the hell I'm doing there, wandering around in...

"Childbirth can't hurt that much if you're wanting another baby! You won't catch me ever asking for another kick in the bollocks!" This is one of the many words of wisdom that I have been given by men over the years, which is usually met with the kick in the bollocks they haven't asked for. When you are pregnant with your first child, your main thoughts are getting a nice case to put your pregnancy notes in, stocking up on matching outfits for your baby and buying the latest steriliser for the baby bottles you have bought at Mamas and Papas, because the Tommee Tippee ones from Asda just WILL NOT be enough for your precious new arrival. From your second pregnancy onwards, your maternity notes will be shoved in the bottom of your bag and take on the resemblance of a chewed up dog toy; your first baby's clothes will just be washed and on hand for when thing 2 comes along, sterilising bottles isn't high on the priority list - a quick swill with...