u/DontJoshMe

Currently in the middle of potty training while also doing what was supposed to be a “small” home renovation that has turned into anything but small… so basically we’re having the worst 3-day weekend ever lol.

After putting the little one down tonight, I spontaneously booked a last-minute deal on a 7-night Disney Wonder cruise for my little guy’s 3rd birthday. It just felt right, like the perfect way to make some really special family memories. Or maybe I’ve officially hit my limit today and just looking for an escape 😅

My husband and I have never been on a cruise, but before having our son 2.5 years ago we traveled all the time. Since becoming parents, we’ve taken him on a few trips, but honestly none of them have felt relaxing or fun for us or for him. Someone suggested a Disney cruise a few months ago, and after looking into everything they offer for little kids, we kept coming back to the idea.

Now I’m really excited.

Would love any advice, tips, favorite memories, or things to know about sailing on the Disney Wonder especially with a 3yo!

EDIT: Also just realized that the itinerary we booked is Halloween on the High Seas (yay!). Has anyone done a Halloween one? Do they do anything related to Nightmare Before Christmas?? My kid is in love with Jack Skellington! I'tll be the best unintentional decision I ever made.

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Ive reached a point where I need help, but I don’t even know what kind of help, though I'm sure medication is something I should seriously consider.

I’m depressed, but still highly functional. If anything, I’m too productive. I constantly stay busy and accomplish things, and honestly it feels more like a coping mechanism than healthy motivation.

One of the things that has become hardest to deal with is that I ruminate constantly. Every awkward interaction, uncomfortable moment, mistake, or perceived failure replays in my head over and over. Sometimes it gets so intense that I audibly yell at myself to stop thinking or physically react from the shame/anxiety.

Emotionally, I feel unbearably heavy all the time. Since becoming a mom especially, world events and bad news affect me deeply and almost make me feel hopeless at times. I cry constantly or feel like I’m on the verge of tears every day.

I’ve been through birth trauma, family issues, marital stress, childhood medical trauma, and jusf a lifetime of unresolved emotional crap. I think it’s finally catching up to me in a way I can’t manage anymore.

I’m not unable to function externally... I work a lot, parent, get things done, etc. but internally I feel like I’m drowning. I've also been getting chest pains constantly, like several times a week, for the last few months.

For therapists or anyone knowledgeable: Does this sound like typical depression? Is this something you would medicate for? If so, what kinds of medications are typically used for symptoms like this? SSRIs? Anxiety medication? Or would there be a specific therapy method that works be more beneficial?

Really appreciate any and all feedback.

P.s. I should add that I now have a high deductible plan that doesn't cover anything for awhile, so determining whether I need medication support vs just therapeutic modes matters for deciding who I go to off the bat and saving me (potentially) thousands of dollars.

What (if anything) can we utilize or enable without Manager Insights Hub and Career Hub right away. I know Talent Highlights is a big one. Is there anything we can turn on or use out of the box right away?

Thanks!