Hello, I’m 5 months postpartum and i’m exhausted and burn out. Background info: my husband got incarcerated just 3 weeks after i gave birth. From then i had to care and raise our child alone. His incarceration is something that we have been expecting even before i got pregnant but doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt less when the time came. My in laws are living with me and my son as i’m currently unemployed (i have an adhoc WFH job tho). As we recently just got our house last year, my husband was worried that i have to tank everything on my own thus he asked for his parents’ help to stay with us while hes gone. As anyone might expect its not easy to live with in laws and if anything i feel even more stressed being around them. I appreciate them helping us out financially but i feel like it could be done even without them staying here. Before this whole incident i didn’t have a good/close relationship with them as i always feel drained out being around them. They’re always making insensitive comments and have that “we are always right” mindset which can get pretty exhausting. These past few weeks especially i always get triggered easily when i’m forced to be around them or when they make unnecessary comments. The family environment/culture i grew up in is way different from theirs. Im trying my best to adapt as i dont really have a choice and these few days i’ve been feeling so empty and exhausted. I love my son and i’m trying my best to be the best mom for him. My husband suggested that i should seek help or someone to talk to but i just feel so anxious at the thought of talking to someone about this. I guess i just want to let this out, i just feel like my mind is all over the place now..
First of all, I would like to commend you on being so strong through all this and you deserve a pat on your back for all the effort you have put for yourself and your child. Emptying out your feelings is not necessarily a bad thing so do talk about it with people you trust especially if it feels heavy for yourself. Give yourself some time to process what you been through and do have a chat with people around you if you need it! Jiayous in what you do always!
Thank you for your kind words 
@tehpeng
Dear @user9277
Thank you for bravely sharing what you are currently experiencing and taking this first step to figure out what could be done to improve your wellbeing.
What you’re going through is indeed challenging, and I think it makes complete sense that you feel drained, anxious, and overwhelmed. You’re caring for a baby almost entirely on your own, being a good mom, and also grieving the sudden absence of your husband. In addition, you are living in a space that doesn’t feel emotionally safe or comfortable. I think that would be overwhelming for any one of us in a similar situation.
I believe you feeling exhausted is an inevitable response to months of nonstop stress. Loving your son doesn’t mean you don’t get burned out. You can adore him and still feel empty. Both can be true.
I sense you are grateful that the in-laws are helping financially but it doesn’t erase the emotional pressure of having them in your home, especially when their behavior triggers or dismisses you. Unfortunately, you didn’t choose this arrangement, it was forced by circumstances. I believe that lack of choice makes everything feel harder to accept.
I gather your husband has noticed your distress and that had prompted him to ask you to seek support. May I suggest you to consider speaking to a counsellor for support. It will be a safe outlet for you to process what you are experiencing. By talking it out, I foresee the burden may feel lighter and you can gain new perspectives, learn ways to set boundaries and other areas that improve wellbeing.
Remember that reaching out is a sign that you’re taking good care of both yourself and your baby.
For immediate support do consider calling the national mindline at 1771. It is manned by competent counsellors and operates 24/7.
Please know that help us available and you are not alone. You fully deserve support and care so reach out soon! Continue reaching out here too whenever needed for unconditional support.