Any advice for me? I'm new here...

[Momtoone]

I can't seem to shake my feelings of anxiety. I have it all the time, like I can't relax. I'm new here and have vowed to keep reaching out for help. I have a 16 month old and love him dearly but I'm a stay at home mom with no one to help watch him. I need a break, but don't trust anyone to be with him other than my wife, who is in medical school. So, any advice?

[flimsymimsy]

Hi and glad you feel you can reach out here which is a first step and a positive one. Parenting can be difficult and is this the first time you have suffered from anxiety? the reason i was asking was i wondering if it could be post natal depression as having a baby can bring on these feelings and there is help available. The first step would be to contact your gp or health visitor who can point you in the right direction.

Do you go to any parent and baby groups at all as they can be good way to help ease the anxiety. Don't be too hard on yourself as we all need a break sometimes. Im a single mum to 2 kids and its tough and even i admit to wanted a break same as anyone here im guessing.

Do you do anything for yourself when your son is sleeping? for example have a nice soak in the bath with some bath oils like lavender which can have a calming effect.

Have you also tried meditation which is great for calming the mind and relaxing and is best to listen with headphones. Theres some great free ones on youtube.

Are there any favourite box sets on tv you enjoy and treat yourself? maybe prepare a box in advance for when things are really bad with something that comforts you like a favourite block of chocolate, one of your sons favourite soft toys that you can hold close, favourite song that cheers you up?

Keep reaching out to us here and things will get easier.

[Momtoone in reply to flimsymimsy]

This brings me tears to be seen by you. Thank you so much for your kindness! I try exercising when he is asleep, or writing as I am a writer. I've been so anxious though, it is making me tired so I've been sleeping with my son during his nap. We just moved to a new place two weeks ago and it has a horrible cat smell that we can't seem to get rid of, which means I feel like I don't want to touch anything. Ugh. I have had depression before, and I do think it's related to hormones. Thanks for reminding me of that. I'll check in with my gp....

[AuntBea in reply to Momtoone]

Put on old clothes, put a half cup of bleach in the sink, fill it with hot water. Then take a washcloth and wipe down all the floors and baseboards. The walls too. If you have carpet, sprinkle baking soda generously --- like use the whole box --- let it sit for a couple days , then vacuum it up. If you can take care of that one issue you might feel better.

Find a children's group --- story time at the library or book store--- or go to a playground. You will both benefit from it.

[Momtoone in reply to AuntBea]

Thank you AuntBea. I do take my son out every day to a park or playground....there was a free day at the children's museum we went to, but I do need to check in with the library here. No children's group in my area but I'm expanding my search to the next major city north of us. It's an hour away, but it would be worth it if I find a community. I'll try the bleach...the carpets were professionally cleaned but I think the carpet pads underneath are ruined. They will need to be replaced.

[Hidden]

Hi. I'm new here too, and also a stay at home mom. My only son just started school, so it gets very lonely around the house I have bad social anxiety and will be starting counseling this week.