Another new one!

[BecR1025]

Hi everyone. So I obviously am new here. I have answered a few posts and have spent the day browsing this site to kind of get a feel of it. I have been looking for anxiety support groups for what seems like forever. Locally there aren't any, and if there are I have yet to find them. And if I do find it, I don't know if I could push myself to go.

I am a home maker and mother of 3 kids. I am 31 years old, so people always tell me "you're young, what do you have to be anxious about?" Or the "you don't work, you have nothing to be stressed or anxious about" and blah blah blah. People just do not understand and tell you or want you to just "get over it." A lot of people do not get the intrusive thoughts, the racing thoughts, rapid heart beat, the sweating, numbing or tingling hands, constant headaches, not being able to sleep, not being about to get out of bed, not being able to enjoy a beautiful day, the feeling that you're having a stroke or heart attack, they just flat out do not understand the struggle of functioning with anxiety, depression, and hypochondria. Coming across this site today has made me feel a little better. I am not the only who experiences these symptoms and the hardship of day to day struggles with anxiety.

I hope to continue to communicate here, maybe make some anxiety friends. Don't get me wrong, I have a great family and support at home, but they do not understand. I can be sitting next to my husband while I am having a bad day and he could be telling me everything is fine, but I will still feel alone because deep down I can feel how frustrating it is to him. I try to hide it a lot because my kids are young. They pick up on my moods. My middle child has anxiety and depression due to thyroid issues so I try to find tools that will not only help me, but myself. Luckily he has calmed down now that his thyroid levels are controlled. It's a terrible feeling to feel like I am not being there for my kids. I feel awful when they know I am having a bad day. I am their mother, they shouldn't worry about comforting me or being worried about me. That is my job.

Anyway, it's been very refreshing reading some posts. My heart is leaping with joy that I am NOT alone! My physical and mental symptoms are normal! Well normal for us.... I hope to make some friends here and if anyone needs an ear, I am here to listen as well. I do enjoy helping people too. Even if it's just to say "yes I understand" and I will actually mean it.

[CatIsMyCopilot]

Welcome!

"I can be sitting next to my husband while I am having a bad day and he could be telling me everything is fine, but I will still feel alone because deep down I can feel how frustrating it is to him."

Ugh, I really related to this. I hate how being inside my head really separates me from the people I love most in the world.

While I don't think my husband will ever fully understand (he's the least anxious person in the world, ha), I have taken comfort in knowing that we can still spend time together while I'm anxious. I'll just tell him "I feel terrible today", but we'll still do what we were going to do e.g. go to a movie or on a walk. We both know I'm going to enjoy it less than I would on a good day, but we both have to accept that. It's taking awhile, but I think we're both getting closer to acceptance.

[Marshall64]

I can relate to the part of having to be "strong" for our kids. I'm a full time single father and it is hard to be "up" for my daughter when I'm feeling down. I have more of an issue with depression than anxiety but either way it can be difficult.

[BecR1025 in reply to Marshall64]

Depression is most definitely a pain in the butt. Life is hard! But I am glad there is starting to be more awareness about mental health.

[courageovercomfort]

I just signed up yesterday, and your post was comforting to me. Thank you! You said many things I can relate to. Husband saying "just be thankful...." and trying to hide my depression and anxiety from my son. It's uncomfortable struggling while having to pretend everything is fine. Especially when my son wants to play. My main/constant struggle is anxiety, but my depression has resurfaced and I'm barely making it to and staying at work. Hoping we can both find some strength and hope here. It's SO nice knowing I'm not alone. Despite my super support systems I have, there is nothing quite like someone who has the same struggles. Welcome

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to courageovercomfort]

Welcome to the site. Keep posting. The peeps here are great.

[BecR1025 in reply to courageovercomfort]

It's definitely comforting knowing others know exactly how I feel physically and mentally. It's so hard explaining to people who do not know or understand when all they want is for me to just stop. Those bouts of depression that tend to go hand in hand with anxiety are the worst! The constant exhaustion and brain fog. Ugh!

[LilyAnnepuppy]

Welcome to the community, and, “yes, I understand.”

[Agora1]

Hi BecR1025, Homemaker and Mother, one of the most demanding jobs around. If you

were a CEO of a large corporation you couldn't have as much stress. You have a job that

requires you to be on call 24/7. You get no sick days, no vacation days and your job

never ends. You can't retire from motherhood And yet the benefit package comes

in watching the most precious gift in our lives grow and leave cherish memories in our

minds and hearts.

So always remember BecR that you are not alone. That this amazing forum shares the

highs and lows of each and every life no matter what our calling is.

I'm glad that you are here with us. Happy Wednesday new friend xx

[BecR1025 in reply to Agora1]

I love this response! Thank you!

[UFC80]

I've struggled with anxiety/depression, but with parenting it has increased... lol

[BecR1025 in reply to UFC80]

Yes! Ugh I love my kids but I did not know my stress level can rise as far as it has! Parenthood is the toughest love ever

[Browneyes921]

You are not alone and I do understand. I’m a single mom of three, my middle child just moved out to attend college, and I am struggling hard. I feel so guilty having to deal with my anxiety. I’m supposed to be the strong one, taking care of them. Instead, I have asked them to help me get through this. They don’t necessarily understand, but they are trying. Keep checking in with us. You will find a lot of support here.