Separation Anxiety

[LeoAnon]

I dropped my daughter off to my Aunt for the night so I can get a full night's sleep that's really been needed. I've been putting it off because I get so anxious at the thought of being away from my daughter.. my mind is imagining all the horrible things that could go wrong. This is the second time she has been away from me since she has been born. I'm home settled in with my blanket and pillow on the recliner cuddling my55+ lb dog and I'm so so anxious. My hands are tingly. My heart feels like it hurts literally. And I just feel wobbly and no good. I've got my chewing gum in and my leg is bouncing like crazy. My heart is thumping in my chest. I actually feel shaky too..

[1OshunDreamer]

Have you thought of the worst that could possibly happen?

[LeoAnon in reply to 1OshunDreamer]

Oh yes.. of course I have.

[1OshunDreamer in reply to LeoAnon]

Is the horrible thing something that can only happen with your Aunt or could it happen with you too?

[LeoAnon in reply to 1OshunDreamer]

It could happen with me too. I've been worrying about her falling off of the bed and SIDS lately.. now tonight since she's gone it's in overdrive. 😕 I probably sound like a freak.

[1OshunDreamer in reply to LeoAnon]

You don't sound like a freak, you sound like a good mom who worries about your child. I just want to point out that If you trust your Aunt with your life, you can trust her with your child's. Is your daughter younger than 5 months old?

[LeoAnon in reply to 1OshunDreamer]

Yes she is three months old. but it's just been me taking care of her, her father is in prison so I am so exhausted. My aunt raised me so I know she would never harm my baby. It's just scary. I'd lose my mind if something happen were to happen to her.

[1OshunDreamer in reply to LeoAnon]

ok, so your fear is reasonable. Try to accept that you need the rest and your Aunt will do her very best for her. When I'm in your place with anxiety I do a couple of things, Try the inhale for 10 counts and exhale for 10 counts, if I'm in the beginning of an attack that helps. Does that help?

[LeoAnon in reply to 1OshunDreamer]

Yes thankyou for taking the time out of your evening to talk to me..

[LeoAnon in reply to 1OshunDreamer]

Does being older than five months lower the risk for SIDS?

[1OshunDreamer in reply to LeoAnon]

We're all here to help each other. You caught my eye because your anxiety sounds like mine used to. It was horrible and I understand your fears completely. If I remember correctly SIDS occurs between the ages of 1-4 months. When the baby is strong enough to turn his/her head it doesn't happen much. I don't think a reason has ever been found for SIDs.

Another thing that always helped me is when I get to bed all lights visible need to be off. Then I think of something I love and kind of plan out a "pretend" fun time. It usually clears the crap and puts in happiness. You could plan a " pretend" fun vacation with your baby.

Let me know if you need to chat. I'm not the best at checking a lot but I will see you within a day.

[LeoAnon in reply to 1OshunDreamer]

Thankyou so much.. I'm never much help here but I always love to get advice and try new coping mechanisms.

[1OshunDreamer in reply to LeoAnon]

When you get through tonight, you'll be able to help someone else that is going through a life event just like you're doing

[Agora1]

Anon, this is your "me time" tonight. Use it wisely, you need that rest.

Your daughter is safe with your aunt. You are safe in your own bed, covered

with a blanket, cuddling your dog.

The tingling is because you are breathing shallow. Sink into that recliner, drop

your shoulders and slow down your breathing...Everything is okay xx

[LeoAnon in reply to Agora1]

I know, I know. I don't understand why I'm like this. I can never be or think like a normal person. I feel a bit better my chest just hurts. Thankyou .. xx