Introducing Myself/Anxiety as a Parent

[GinkgoLeaf]

Hi everybody! Wanted to introduce myself to this group and also get some advice/tips from folks who have been on the recovery/therapy journey a bit longer than me. Some background:

I was diagnosed with anxiety/panic disorder about six weeks ago and have been doing weekly therapy since then. I've tried a few SSRIs but the side effects were really hard (insomnia, gastro pain), so I elected to focus on therapy instead for now. For the first couple weeks of therapy, it was going very positive and I was finally unpacking a lot of childhood trauma. However, over the last week, my emotions have been running a bit "wild". I cry everyday, I feel ashamed of what I'm going through, I feel weak, etc. In some ways, I think I'm unpacking some baggage (i.e. growing up in an environment where emotions were punished), but it's just been very difficult lately. I am also a recent parent of two, and the pressure can be a bit scary, although also incredibly rewarding. I use the mental health hotline on almost a daily basis, which has been super helpful, but the emotions are just very intense right now as I am in the preliminary stages of this journey.

Couple of questions I had for this group:

1. For those who have been on the anxiety journey a bit longer, any tips for someone in the early stages? Things you wish you would've done differently?

2. For any parents in the group, any advice on managing anxiety long term? Helpful exercises?

3. Outside of weekly therapy, any other activities/work folks recommend for working through their anxiety? I am doing some journaling/yoga/meditation, but thinking about supplementing with maybe some group therapy/support groups.

Thanks so much in advance for any responses - I appreciate the help on my journey.

[Agora1]

Hi GinkgoLeaf. I'd like to Welcome you and let you know that you are no

longer alone. Actually, you have taken the first step in getting better. Crying

can be a therapeutic release of stress. Allow those tears to flow, it won't

always be. Medication isn't the only way to control Anxiety as Therapy can

play a huge part in finding control and addressing the issues/situation.

Surround yourself with things you can enjoy. Self care is an important part

of the healing process.

During my journey with Anxiety as well as Agoraphobia, I searched and got

much help from YouTube. I always stayed positive that I would and I could

get through this and I did.

We may not be therapists or doctors however in sharing our own journeys

we can support and help others find their way as well. You are going to be

okay. You are safe with us. We Care xx

[GinkgoLeaf in reply to Agora1]

thank you so much! I really appreciate your tips and warm response. The journey can feel daunting but I’m happy to be on it. And congrats on your journey too.

[UglyDuckling546]

Hi, welcome to the community, I haven't been a member for too long but everyone is super helpfulI know what it's like to have anxiety as a parent and I always feel like I have to hide how I'm feeling as my son is now older and his understanding is growing, I try and do things that keep me busy, go for walks, draw, journalling, I am also reluctant to take meds

Support groups sound like a great idea, I have been looking into some but there isn't much where I am

Please feel free to reach out if you want to talk

[GinkgoLeaf in reply to UglyDuckling546]

Thanks so much for the reply. I actually spoke with my therapist this morning about this. I told them I was concerned that showing my emotions in front of my kids would scare them. They asked if that's because I'm scared of the emotions. And I totally am. I was never an emotional person before, and I'm really terrified of vulnerability. What I've heard is that it can be actually very helpful for kids to see the emotions and see adults be vulnerable. And in many ways, before my diagnosis, my anxiety could come out in ways that were actually harmful - impatience and anger. Is it better for kids to see the raw emotions? I think so. But it's really hard to learn this. If you learn any good tid bits on your journey, please share. Tough to be an anxious parent, but it's such a joy too. Have a great day.

[UglyDuckling546 in reply to GinkgoLeaf]

That's really interesting to hear I've always tried to hide them but it makes sense for them to see how you are feelingThank you for this I will definitely be more mindful of it in the future

Yes I will definitely share

You have a great day too 🙂