Weird anxieties

[Micmuli]

Hi, my nickname is micmuli.

This is my first time and I usually don't post. I have got a lovely five month old daughter. I only googled to see how to deal with an overbearing sister in law. Then I came across following post on alphamom.com which describes word by word how I feel and until now I thought it was only me. I'd rather not tell anyone because from the outside it looks like I'm coping well (which I do apart from this) and I'm afraid I'm going to scare my family and friends off. I have no thoughts whatsoever in harming my baby and we are a very active and dynamic team being out and about almost every day, but also enjoying each other and daddy's company at home. Well, normal apart from what is described below:





"...As I am writing this, I KNOW how nuts it sounds. I am annoyingly rational and practical most of the time. But, I seriously have a bat by the changing table in case a zombie suddenly bursts into the room during my 4AM feeding. And I’m thinking of stashing canned goods and bottled water...





I get scared at night. Like, really, really scared. Anxiety dreams galore. (As if my night’s sleep wasn’t interrupted enough) And I have all of these fears about taking care of my boy should I be one of the survivors in an apocalypse. I’ve never loved anyone like I love him and the thought that I may not be able to protect him, well….it’s freaking me out.





I guess my question is: Is this just more postpartum junk?? Is there anyone else out there worrying themselves to death about media nonsense that even if by some minute chance is true, is completely out of their control?? "





Does anyone what this is and how I can get this back in control and out of my system please.



Many thanks,


Micmuli

[monica]

Hello and welcome
. It sounds as if you've taken to motherhood really well. I think for most mums the protective instinct is so strong and can go into overdrive. After all your baby is the most precious yet fragile thing on the planet so dependent on you to survive. This realisation can be both powerful and frightening..

Im not a professional but from what you say if these moments of feeling overwhelmed about the safety of ur child are the majority of the time you are happy and calm I wouldn't worry too much . Of course for advice and reassurance see your Dr or hv.

I think to have these momentary thoughts is normal and not weird at all and I bet most mums experience this from time to time. What do u think?

Monica

[monica]

Re how to help urself - firstly try wearing an elastic band on ur wrist. When u get one of these thoughts flick the band - the shock will stop u carrying on that train of thought and catastrophising . Alternatively clap ur hands or say stop aloud .

Try writing down each individual exaggerated thought. Next to write the reasons this fear will happen and reasons against the fear coming true. I guarantee there'll be more in the latter column . Often there in black and White can help.

Also try breathing techniques like slow deep breaths thru ur stomach .

[Micmuli]

Hi Monica,





thank you very much for taking time to reply to my post. I love and enjoy motherhood very much and love my baby dearly. All these new emotions are very overwhelming and additionally I'm also facing a conflict with my in-laws which I think has triggered a lot of anxieties. I think influencing factors are also a lack of sleep, bad diet and lack of physical exercise. I'm trying to work on these. I have started to write a diary too to analyse the roots and get a handle on them. I will try and learn breathing techniques to help me cope better. I just naively didn't expect anything like this to happen. Its quite a lot to take on board.





Thank you so much,


Micmuli