Ask for help
Seek informed professional support, a parent group, or practical help from people you trust. Asking may feel uncomfortable, especially if past attempts have ended in judgment, but carrying everything alone deepens burnout.
Do the restorative thing anyway
Fear about what might happen while you are away can keep you from taking even a short break. Begin with something manageable and remind yourself that your well-being is not optional.
Lower the bar and protect the basics
Rest, food, movement, medical care, and boundaries are foundations rather than rewards. Choose the smallest version that is possible today, and let consistency matter more than intensity.
Expect recovery to take time
There is no quick fix for prolonged stress. Notice small changes, keep returning to support, and seek qualified medical or mental-health care when symptoms affect your ability to function.