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[gldd65]

Hi, I am a 52 year old mother of 5. I have had panic attacks and anxiety attacks for the past 3 years. Yes, everyone thinks that it's nothing, but my mom. I have a lot of stress in my life and I am one of those who pretty much keep it to myself. Then when it builds up, I get those feeling of uselessness and unwanted. I just feel an overwhelming feeling of dread. I am going out on a limb joining this support, because I am tired of feeling this way and people telling me is really nothing.

[RyRywifey Ambassador]

Hey gldd65, I'm sorry that you're feeling this way, anxiety is such a pain in the ass. But I'm so glad you joined this community. It's really hard to deal with anxiety when you're surrounded by loved ones that don't understand because they don't suffer from it. I know how that can be. You've definitely joined the right place, as all of us know all too well the many symptoms of this nuisance. I want to welcome you and let you know that you're not alone at all. Please post anytime you feel the need for an outlet and also I'm here to chat any time you may need. Hope all is well, have a great weekend 😊💕

[Antich]

Hi there! I am a 53 year old mother of two. I can't imagine doubling that and adding one! No wonder you are anxious and have panic attacks. Mothering is the most stressful job in the world. The idea that something out there could hurt our babies and no matter how hard we work to love and keep our children safe we are in the end not going to be able to protect them from everything. My mental health issue is depression not anxiety but I did have one panic attack and that was right before I flew on an airplane with my infant daughter for the first time. I realized that keeping her safe was out of my control. If something happened to the plane, I could not pull it over like a car. It was awful. I can really relate to uselessness and feeling unwanted. You work so hard to raise your kids the best you can and they grow up and can't wait to leave you. I'm struggling to get back to a life that I live for me and not my kids. We sacrifice and put our needs last or just ignore our needs and me-well now I'm finding myself lost.

I realize I got way off the topic of anxiety here and was of no use to you probably. Just know that you are not alone in experiencing mental health issues. Also know that reaching out like you did by posting is one way to save yourself or at least find some comfort. Let me know how you are doing.

[gldd65 in reply to Antich]

Getting off the subject is fine. Venting is sometimes helpful. My two last ones are twins. 1 girl and 1 boy. They now live with their brother, because the school system where I live is horrible. My daughter was approached so many times that I just took her out of school. Now they are at a school that they know the kids and grew up with them. My husbands job takes us all over the panhandle of Florida. So I am stressed because they are 2 hours away and very had to help handle problems over the phone. Visiting 1 day out of a weekend is not really helping either. Hubby is going to see if he can get transferred back to the other location. And your right, its hard to not worry about protecting our kids. Thanks for replying. Take care yourself and I am here too if you need to blow off some steam.

[Ddorne]

gldd, I'm sorry you are going through panic and anxiety. I suffer from it too. And it is very real. You have five children, that alone is stressful. Do you have a therapist? You really need to talk to someone outside your family and friends. Are you on meds? They are very helpful. Dont listen to anyone who says anxiety is not real. It is a real problem for many people. It can be exhausting and interfere with your job. Anxiety can be treated in many ways. You could ask your Dr. or speak to a counselor about it. Anxiety has been an awful thing in my life for many years. I see A therapist twice a week and it is so helpful. I also have OCD and depression. I am on medication for that. Find a therapist if you don't have one. I'll pray for you. Write back this is a good site. L D