Any parent, especially those that are first-time parents, will have some anxiety when they have a baby. Initially, it will be whether they are sleeping properly, whether they are feeding properly and if they are ill or unhappy. Thankfully for most parents, this anxiety goes away over time, but for others, it lingers and can get worse. Here are some tips for coping with parenting anxiety and learning to deal with your emotions.
What is Parenting Anxiety?
It is important to note that anxiety isn’t the same as post-natal depression, which can cause severe low mood and an inability to cope with everyday things. Parenting anxiety is more a general worry about how your child is growing and developing. It could include worries about their growth milestones, if they are talking to late or walking too late, worries about their food and if they are interacting well. These types of worry can be overwhelming for parents, and it can seem like you are feeling pressured to be a perfect parent.
Talking to People
One of the best ways to try and reduce your stress and anxiety is to talk to others that have children or have had kids in the past. Your family can be a great source of comfort, but you might not want to tell them how you are feeling. There might be parent groups near you where you can go and chat with other parents. Often these issues are common, and you will feel better knowing that others have also felt the same way. You should also talk to your partner, so they can help and support you and try to deal with your worries with you.
Speak to Your Doctor
If you are starting to feel that your anxiety is getting worse, then perhaps you need to speak to your doctor about what they can do to help you. They might offer to refer you to a therapist to help you talk through your anxiety, or sometimes they can offer medication such as anti-depressants to give you short-term help. There could also be alternative ways to help yourself such as trying mindfulness techniques to calm the mind or trying a natural medication like CBD oil. It has none of the side-effects of cannabis, but all of the medicinal relaxation benefits. You can buy CBD oil online in many states and it is also sold in bulk online.
Make Some Time for You
Parenting can be a big responsibility and one that can overwhelm those new to the role. It is important that you and your partner understand that you both need to spend some time to yourself. It gives you the opportunity to relax and unwind which can be invaluable, especially in the early weeks and months.
How do you deal with parenting anxiety?
Anxiety for any reason is not a pleasant feeling, but when its attached to being a parent, there can be many other feelings including guilt. If you can learn to deal with these anxieties, then you can enjoy your time with your child.
