Friend

[fallen_leaf]

I could use a friend right now

[deborah27]

You will find support here. Can you share what is going on for you?

[fallen_leaf in reply to deborah27]

I just get overwhelmed and cry easily and have two little girls who I have to be strong for. I just need someone to listen and give support

[deborah27 in reply to fallen_leaf]

We're listening. What has you so overwhelmed do you think?

[argh52 in reply to fallen_leaf]

Keeping it together for your kids is so painful. You're not alone. We're here to listen.

[Hidden]

I'll always be your friend. 🤗

[optimuscoolbeans]

It’s so hard to be strong in front of your kids when you can barely lift your head. I understand this all to well.

[fallen_leaf in reply to optimuscoolbeans]

I just feel a stronger person wouldn’t be so easily overwhelmed

[Agora1 in reply to fallen_leaf]

That's not true fallen leaf in that a stronger person wouldn't be so easily overwhelmed.

We all have breaking points within us. Our worth isn't measured by strength. Our

children see far beyond our weaknesses. They look for a caring, loving parent. One who is genuine in heart. Being a mother is a difficult job and it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times. It's a big responsibility. That doesn't make you weak, it makes

you human. We are all friends here, men and women alike who share being a parent

as well as suffering from anxiety. This is your safe place to come to when feeling in

need of a friend. I care. xx

[tbg1961 in reply to Agora1]

I agree. It's harder to admit you're fragile, deal with it and then try and move forward. I know I am fragile and vulnerable sometimes. I also agree that your children will look for love and support and will not judge you, especially when they're younger. I tell a good friend of mine all the the time that she is an awesome mother even though she has depression, anxiety and panic problems. She appreciates the support too. All I know is that she loves her young daughter fiercely. Her daughter responds to that too. You always give excellent advice A1.

[fallen_leaf in reply to Agora1]

I seem to have passed on anxiety to my 4 year old. She deals with is by being afraid of public bathrooms and school restrooms. She is in therapy for anxiety. The therapist says kids pick up on things. I can’t control my anxiety and she picks up on it. My husband makes it worse. Now she is repeating pre-k in hopes of giving her more time to .... I don’t know....get over it?

[Agora1 in reply to fallen_leaf]

Hi fallen leaf, it's true that kids pick up on things but it doesn't necessarily mean

it came from you. This is a different age now for children in school. I read just the

other day that young children are taught survival skills in case of a lockdown in school. One of them was going into the rest rooms for protection. She might have heard something that brought that fear on.

What I'm saying is that you can't help what you've been given in life with your anxiety.

Yes, children can learn from their home surroundings but they still would have

had to be predisposed to anxiety disorder. There are many children who come

from dysfunctional families and go on to beat the odds and become a person in

their own right.

You are doing the right thing in getting her help with her fears. As for repeating

pre-k, it might not be a bad idea to give her that stability and comfort right now.

It's not going to hurt her down the road. Be gentle and don't put

too much blame on just yourself. Your husband is a part of the upbringing as well

and needs to support you. Children tune into more of how mom and dad interact with each other. Don't let anxiety play the guilt card with you. xx

[fallen_leaf in reply to Agora1]

Thank you for your kind words. We have a rescue dog and even he has anxiety. The girls especially the little one and the dogs cling to me always. The little ones (my daughter and little dog) cling to me the most because their anxiety is made worse by my husband. He has Tourette’s and has these horrible angry outbursts and he also just isn’t as caring and tuned into their needs so they always want me.

[Agora1 in reply to fallen_leaf]

Thank you for sharing dear. There is always more than meets the eye. I can see how the sudden angry outbursts of Tourette's can confuse and frighten a young

child as well as a furry pet. I think you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. xx

[optimuscoolbeans]

Yes. Nobody but us know how much strength it takes to do the little things in depression. I believe that when I can accomplish small things in its midst it takes much more strength then the things I do normally without it.

[tbg1961]

Hang with it. You love your kids and that's what counts the most. They will provide you with a lifeline that you can use to chain yourself to reality. Live for them and for you. Love will always find a way though!