First of all @Former-Member, we don't always have to get it right with our kids .......
Sometimes when I haven't had a great interaction with one of mine, or have even had to walk away for a while if they're in a real state and I'm just going to get hurt if I stay in their line of fire, I just say to myself, "Well, that went well ....... not !!" and wait for that particular storm to pass.
Teens and 20-somethings are stormy people generally, and as pre-menopausal, or menopausal, or PMT sufferers, or under-appreciated wives and / or mothers, we have the right to be a bit stormy ourselves ....... and that's okay ❣. No relationship is "perfect" all the time - whatever that actually is !! There has to be some flex, and take as well as give, although in a mother or carer role it can really be hard to get that balance correct. You can find yourself giving and giving until you are running dry, and then find that you have forgotten to give to yourself in the process.
Would you like to give the Helpline above a try ? I think you will find it is like chatting on the forum here, except you are chatting with a counsellor instead (it may even be one of our mods - not sure how it works)
From what I understand they are not crisis counselling, although they have the resources to redirect you to other services that do cater to that. It sounds more like you can just use a chat to help get your head sorted, and that is my understanding of what the Helpline is ....
I have called the EDV Helpline when I have been in Melbourne before, and have chatted with them at length via email. There is also a centre here on the west coast I have called for support and understanding of what I am going through.
It's not weakness or failure @Former-Member. It's strength. It takes courage and fortitude, and not trying to always do it alone, to get through circumstances that were not of our making or choosing. Rather, they came upon us. Show your boys how it's done ..... you are giving them an example in stepping up to talk to people who can help you, and you will want them to do the same in tackling the big issues in life.
Big hugs ❤️ Lots of Bug Tea ❣
