Psychiatrist Questions Anxiety

How can I manage my anxiety?

I am a first-time mom to a 3 year old. My husband sat down with me because he's concerned about my worrying for her health. It's constant. It is now bothering me as I don’t see other parents obsessing about their kids as much as I do. I want her to be safe but I don't want to be overprotective either. How can I manage my anxiety better?

10 Answers

PsychiatristAnxiety
As an initial step, I would search out psychotherapy to help you understand realistic versus unrealistic concerns about the baby. Hopefully, the psychotherapy will be adequate and you will not need medications.
Knowing the anxiety is the problem is the key.
Take the focus you have had on your child, turn it on making your attitude conducive to a happy relaxed home, as Mom Sets the heart of the Home! Your focus is strong, your motives are pure, just tweak the direction. You will find your answers , you can do this!
If the worrying is excessive it can interfere in your parenting. It is best to consult with a psychotherapist for you to explore what is behind your fears. If therapy is not enough you may also need a trial of anti- anxiety agents for which you can consult a psychiatrist.
I would recommend psychotherapy which incorporates reality testing.
Amitryptiline 25mg at 8pm everyday
Consider seeing a therapist.
Comparing yourself rarely leads to solutions, and more typically can cause shame and embarrassment. I generally don't recommend it. A well-trained counselor or therapist can help you find that middle ground between keeping them safe and overprotecting them. Would you be willing to consult with someone in your community? If you haven't already, that would probably be a good place to start.
Calming/relaxation techniques

Deep breathing

Progressive muscle relaxation

Yoga

Pilates

Mindfulness techniques

Guided imagery

Medication consultation if symptoms do not improve with non medication strategies
Some doctors might recommend an anti-anxiety medication. I am not one of them. A person can frequently become overly dependent and find themselves unable to give them up.  They can even be physically addicting. My recommendation is to talk with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatric social worker. You should be able to unravel the causes of the excessive anxiety in a relatively short time. In general, this excessive anxiety is due to a fear of the mother's own capability of keeping her child safe and healthy.
The best way to handle your current anxiety is a combination of 1) If I worry about my daughter is that going to help in her safety? The answer is no, thus, it is a waste of your time, energy, and your daughter's wellbeing is not addressed by worrying; 2) You get counseling, which may help you learn new coping skills; 3) Medication management, which may help while you are learning new skills.

Dawit Zemichael MD, MS