Anxiety affecting my parenting

[marlu]

Hi I'm a mum of two and I've had anxiety for a solid ten years before that I suffered depression and ocd, anyway long story short I know when I'm anxious and why I'm anxious but I can't switch off the stress and physical symptoms it's driving me nuts! I feel so exhausted from my life even before I had children, I have little motivation to actually DO something about it, I think to myself I need to sit down and relax and play with the kids but I cant do it I always get distracted by what 'needs' to be done I really need some advice on how to calm down and stop because I feel like I'm missing out on enjoying my kids while they're young. Just feel like a scatter brain and can't breath deeply I wake up feeling tired all the time and am very reactive as a parent, which in turn is causing some behavioural problems in my youngest child. Anyone got any tips? I've tried meditation but it feels weird to me, tried yoga and that was good for me but I don't like meeting new people, i don't want to get counselling because I hate having to go through the motions all the time it's more exhausting. Sorry to be negative but I'm getting really annoyed with myself and sick of the way I am just wish I could snap out of it

[kned]

Hi,

I came across your post as a fellow mum and anxiety sufferer.

Have you thought about maybe getting some in-home support, or relying on your family or partner for more help? I too feel anxious if I am not 'on top' of things...it got so bad that eventually I broke down crying, and I only have one child! My husband has been great in helping me deal with the housework, so that I am not constantly trying to manage it plus be there and spend time with my little child.

Another thing Ive been trying really hard to do is remind myself (constantly!) that having children means a messy house. If there is washing piled up that needs folding, or the dishwasher still needs to be unpacked that it is OK and it can wait. I really try hard to pace myself over the course of the day to do jobs, so that in between I am also spending time with my child. Its just finding that balance and not being afraid to ask for help, or 'let things go' so that I can enjoy the time with my toddler and stress less about the other things.

I apologise if I'm not really helping or answering your question well. I am new to this forum and your post really struck out at me as I feel exactly the same and wanted you to know you are not alone. I hope you can find a way to cope better and enjoy your little kids. They grow so quickly don't they?!

Also make sure you take time for yourself and don't feel guilty about it either. It may be expensive, but maybe you could look at occasional care, or a babysitter so you can have a few hrs each week to do jobs/catch up on jobs?

All the best