Are you using two strands of yarn held together here? What size hook are you using? Just curious.
I haven't had the inclination to crochet for a while now. I am about 25% through an afghan much like yours and haven't had the heart to work on it because I noticed that I somehow lost several stitches and the thought of ripping it out until I find the place where I messed up took the heart out of it. I also make hats with ski hats with single crochet. My husband has one I made for him about 25 years ago. He still wears it every time he has to be out in the cold.
Yes, I use two strands of yarn held together and I just had a close up look to my hook and I do believe I am in need of some reading glasses but its size 8! or 8.00 mm That is what it says.
Yeah, when you make a few mistakes it can really make you so sick that you lose the will to finish it! I do hope that one day you will pick it up again!