DEAR DEIDRE: IF something happens to me, I fear nobody will be there to take care of my kids, who are eight and 11.
I’m a single mum of 44. My partner left me when my daughter was a baby.
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The children have autism and the strain of caring for them is massive. It caused arguments, we were tired and had no time for ourselves.
He selfishly left me to cope alone.
My life is a rush of getting them ready for school, getting them to eat and coping with their tantrums.
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My dad helped until he died of cancer recently.
My anxiety is through the roof. I’m overweight and unhealthy because I only have time to grab fast food.
DEIDRE SAYS: No wonder you are stressed. You have a challenging family and it is understandable why you reach for fast food.
Talk to your GP and ask to be referred to a dietician who can help you plan easy, healthy meals for yourself and your children.
A pattern of healthy eating and cooking will help you feel more positive and your children will also benefit.
Their dad should pay child maintenance, so contact the CM Options (0800 988 0988, cmoptions.org).
Find understanding from child autism.org.uk (01344 882 248) and at anxietyuk.org.uk (03444 775 774).