Can't eat, can't sleep — the case is destroying me
Custody hearing in two weeks. Stomach won't keep food down. Sleeping 3 hours a night. Anyone been here?
Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.
Custody hearing in two weeks. Stomach won't keep food down. Sleeping 3 hours a night. Anyone been here?
Yes. The night before my hearing I couldn't keep water down. Two things that helped: (1) Wrote my closing line ahead of time and rehearsed it in the mirror. The fear of forgetting what to say was 60% of the anxiety. (2) A short walk RIGHT before the hearing. The body has to move some of the cortisol out.
Please talk to your doctor. Pre-hearing anxiety is something they see all the time and there are short-term tools that help (short course of meds, breathing exercises, etc.) without you having to commit to anything long-term.
If you're in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, 988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text. Free, confidential, 24/7.
Around the case
Other things people in your situation usually need to handle. Some are paid partners; some are free community resources — labeled clearly.
211 · Local assistance
Local food, housing, childcare aid · Free · 24/7
A single phone number (or website) that routes you to local programs in any US state — food, housing, childcare, utility help, and more. Free and confidential.
Dial 211 →Open Path Collective
Affordable therapy directory · Free directory · $40–$80 / session
Nonprofit therapist network — every member commits to $40–$80 session pricing for clients in financial distress. National coverage.
Find a therapist →Warmlight Therapy
Telehealth therapy · Sliding $40–$160 / session
Sliding-scale, telehealth and in-person. Therapists with experience in divorce, custody, parenting, and trauma.
Book a session →Share what helped you. Be kind — and remember this is your experience, not legal advice.
Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.