Did you remember to sign those daycare forms?

And that work project with the deadline tomorrow — how is that coming along?

We haven’t had a date night in ages. No, not this weekend — we’ve got a kid birthday party to go to.

Maybe I should start working out again.

Why can’t I just keep my closet organized like those other moms on Instagram?

What about the mess you left in the kitchen last night?

Why can’t I just get it together?

Am I failing my kids by not being able to handle all this?

Am I even happy anymore?

Do I want to get out of bed today if it’s just going to feel like this?

Maybe this sounds like your mind, too.

We all go through times when it just feels like too much. You’ve got too much on your mind, and the feelings start to take over. Add in the heartbreak and tragedy that fills our news cycle, plus a global pandemic, and it all overflows. The not-good-enoughs, the pressure, the panic.

The anxiety.

The depression.

The darkness.

So you Google it. The internet tells you there is a clear answer to all your problems — you just need some self-care.

Self-care is great, but sometimes, in the depths of overwhelming anxiety or depression, it can feel completely out of reach. Sometimes our feelings are more than can be helped by some R&R and “me time.”

It’s easy to be cynical, to blame ourselves, and to feel like a failure. Perhaps you’ve blamed yourself for just not using your time well, or for not making time for yourself. Maybe you just don’t understand why you’re so exhausted and can’t get out of bed. Maybe your emotions leave you feeling like someone other than yourself.

We’ve all been there. Many of us are there right now. Sometimes it all gets to be just too much. You start to feel it physically. The anxiety and stress make you feel like you’re about to boil over. It’s OK to say what you’re feeling. It’s OK to stop and ask for help. It’s OK.

You’re not alone, and there are so many resources to help. It’s important to mention this to your doctor, but sometimes help just can’t wait. Fortunately, the first step toward help can be just a phone call, text, or click away. These resources are free and confidential.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST for free information, referrals, and support

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis intervention and assistance, available 24/7. There are also hotline numbers for Spanish speakers (1-888-628-9454), the hard of hearing (1-800-799-4889), and veterans (1-800-273-8255). You can also live chat with crisis volunteers on their website at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Guidance in navigating support groups, community organizations, and other assistance for mental health needs. This helpline is available in both English and Spanish 24 hours a day.

Crisis Text Line
Send a Text message to 741741

Life support through text messaging 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also available via Facebook Messenger at www.facebook.com/crisistextline.

Samaritans Hope Helpline
Call or Text 877-870-4673 (HOPE)

This Massachusetts-based organization offers free and confidential support for mental health crises, by call or text, 24/7.

Hannah DeLisle-Stall
Hannah grew up in rural central Massachusetts and now lives in a teeny tiny town in the Berkshires. Hannah has BS and MS degrees in engineering and has spent most of her career working as a manager in the manufacturing industry — where there are few women, and even fewer moms. She is currently a Senior Manager in the Aerospace Manufacturing industry, working on parts that go into Commercial and Military Airplanes. Hannah and her husband met during college, when they were both volunteering at a local food bank. After graduating, building their careers, traveling, and even living on opposite coasts for a few years, they were married in 2015 and welcomed a son in 2019. Together, they love to camp, travel, and hone their DIY skills. In 2023, they completed a 3-year project to design and build their family's forever home. Hannah loves to volunteer, especially with organizations that help women and mothers advance their careers.