Irrational fears...am I alone?

Bexxy10

I'm beginning to think I need to go and see a doctor.  My DH is a marine and gone 5 nights out of the week, leaving me home alone with DD.  I am contantly having dreams and thoughts that someone is going to come in and take or harm DD.  It actually keeps me up at night.  I some what blame my mom because everytime she sees DD she says she's so cute, make sure you keep her close someone would love to take her.  And I know my mom isn't trying to drive me insane but she sees stories about the little girl in Kansas City who they don't know if she was taken or what.  I am kind of at a loss at this point.  I'm not negative, but overly paranoid about everything to do with LO.  Goodness I'm a mess.

smiles1123

nothing against your mom but unless she is kidding with that comment, that in itself is a strange and paranoid thing to say to you. We all worry but if you are constantly having those thoughts, I would probably go talk to someone. Good luck to you.

MarSamWhitney

That is very bizzare of your mom to say. If it would make you feel better, sleep on the floor in the nurshery or something, until you start to feel more comfortable.

plaidgirl117

I'd talk to your doctor, or maybe seek out a therapist.  That level of stress isn't good for either of you.

kmlevine04@gmail.com

No not alone. I have irrational fears all the time, especially before I go to bed...I think its the first time I have thats quiet and thats when I start thinking about stuff. I don't know what I'd do if my DH wasn't there at night, I'm sure it would be a whole lot worse! The week that girl in Kansas dissapeared I definitely thought about that kind of thing a lot. Even decided when we look for a house not to look for a ranch. So if this kind of thing is doctor-warranting, then I should probably head in too! I even worry about things down the road..like what if she dates someone who hurts her, or gets into a car accident. I really believe its normal to some extent - when I've told my mom about it (who was really overprotective when I was little - probably too much, but now I totally get it..), she has said its nature's way of making us take such good care of our kids. I wouldn't worry too much, I think you're pretty normal especially considering your DH is gone so much. GL.

Jacqui105

I get myself all freaked out when my DH is not home at night. So its kind of normal. But, I am able to fall asleep and stay asleep and my fears/thoughts do not turn into dreams. It sounds like it is effecting(affecting?) you in a way that is considerably disruptive to your life, so itmay be worth talking to someone. Or would some kind of self defense class make you feel better? And agreed-your moms comments have go to stop and Im guessing that is a pattern of behavior contributing to your nighttime issues in several ways.

meltoine

I agree that that's a weird thing for your mom to be saying. Ask her to stop because her comments are causing you anxiety with your H bring gone so much. 

Also, it sounds like you may be having some post-partum anxiety. Call your doctor (GP or OB) and let them know what's going on. They can help.  

mmarsac

In my postpartum depression group we call those intrusive thoughts.  It's a symptom of anxiety, which often accompanies ppd.  I would definitely see a doctor.  Getting those thoughts to stop will really help you enjoy your time with your LO more.

erbear

That sounds like PPD/PPA. You should talk about it with your doctor.

LadyXaverian

I have fleeting irrational thoughts, but nothing that causes me anxiety or to lose sleep. I agree. Tell your Mom to cut it out and talk to a professional.

kendra223

I sometimes have those fears too... It's hard not to with the news always throwing negative stuff in your face. But those stories that the news shows us are the minority. My husband is away some nights, but not all nights. What I do, when I have these irrational fears, is just tell myself "OK, the doors are locked, the windows are locked, I am not far at all from DD and it will soon be another normal morning."

If you think it is time you go and see the doctor, then yes, do it. It will be so much better to work through these issues and have your peace of mind. Healthy/peaceful mommy = healthy/peaceful baby. And like the other PP's said... tell your mom to stop it with those comments. She may not know how badly they are affecting you. Those comments have no use.

LynsiBHM

I'm a paranoid person anyway, so when P was born it obviously got worse. Now it is my JOB to keep another person happy, healthy and safe. And that person can't walk, talk, etc. It scares the *** out of me...

Thankfully no one has made comments like that to me and my hubby is home 90% of nights with me (travels occasionally for work, but not often) so I feel safe at home. My main issue is going out- shopping malls, playgrounds, etc.  I hope I get better as he gets older- i don't want to be THAT mom!

Maggieb515

You're totally not alone. I have a lot of those fears and others too. I've had a lot of anxiety too. Some things I won't even say because I don't want to think them let alone say them. I also have the regular worries and the worries about car accidents, my DH being injured and I have to choose to save him or LO. Someone taking LO, dropping her, etc. Depression/anxiety is a spectrum disorder and if it's disrupting your life it's time to go see someone. Im not sure I'm there yet but you deserve piece of mind too. Gl!

Bexxy10

Maggieb515:

You're totally not alone. I have a lot of those fears and others too. I've had a lot of anxiety too. Some things I won't even say because I don't want to think them let alone say them. I also have the regular worries and the worries about car accidents, my DH being injured and I have to choose to save him or LO. Someone taking LO, dropping her, etc. Depression/anxiety is a spectrum disorder and if it's disrupting your life it's time to go see someone. Im not sure I'm there yet but you deserve piece of mind too. Gl!

I have all the exact same ones.  I'm so scared to even drive on a bridge because I think about the "what if's". 

Thank you everyone, I plan on calling the doctor Monday.

caughenbaugh

You are not alone at all. I was having these exact same thoughts and worse. I used to get all worked up that someone would break into our house in the middle of the night, or that there was going to be a nuclear war, or that there would be a famine and my son would go hungry. It sounds silly to even write this, because I know how irrational it sounds. 

 

I went to my doctor and it felt great to talk about it and get it all off my chest. She said it was PP anxiety and started me on a low dose of Zoloft. I feel so much better. Some anxiety is normal when you're a mother, but not the kind that keeps you up night after night. Good luck!