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Is this normal? Dwelling on bad things.

SinafeySinafey member
in Austin Babies

Since having Catie I find it impossible to deal with the idea of babies/kids being hurt in any way.  If I hear a story or read an article about something bad happening to a child I dwell on it for months - sometimes I have a hard time sleeping because I can't get it out of my mind, or I'll dream about it for weeks on end, etc...  It's like I'm obsessing over this stuff.  As an example, I watched that damned "Dear Zachary" documentary like 3 months ago and I'm still all torn up about it.

I'm not otherwise anxious or depressed, and I don't really obsess over the idea of it happening to DD so I think that rules out post partum anxiety?  Do you guys do this?  Is it just part of having such an emotional change with motherhood?  Am I crazy?

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Re: Is this normal? Dwelling on bad things.

  • MrsAJLMrsAJL member

    It is not normal to obsess on something to the point it interrupts your life. That typically can be a sign of anxiety issues.

    However, what you're experiencing is run of the mill I'm-a-mommy-now-and-sh!t-really-gets-to-me.

    I can't watching anything where children are being hurt, abandoned, killed, etc. It terrifies and saddens me all at that same time.

    Don't worry, dude. You're a normal, compassionate, sensitive, protective mommy and it's just your instincts kicking in. My advice - don't read/watch/listen to the sad kid-related stuff. It's ok to skip those stories. :)

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  • MrsShacklefordMrsShackleford member

    Raises hand, same here.  I now have an irrational fear of button batteries and various other things I have read about....

     

    Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers Pregnancy Ticker
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  • AustinAggie01AustinAggie01
    I'm the same way.  Sometimes you can't help hearing about or reading bad stories and it sticks with you.  When I can control the exposure, I opt out.  I knew I couldn't even know what "Dear Zachary" was about or I'd get torn up about the story without even watching it.  I definitely knew I wasn't going to watch it.  I can't handle stuff that involves babies and kids.
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  • SinafeySinafey member

    Thanks for the replies, all.  It's good to know that I'm not the only one.  I've always felt like people shouldn't just shield themselves from all of the bad things, that you should confront your emotions and try to find a way to help alleviate the suffering...  but in these cases I guess I just can't handle it.

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  • bluestreetbluestreet
    I totally have this problem too, but I'm a depressive and anxious neurotic. :-) Provided you're able to avoid the triggers and do okay, I'd say you're just an empathetic woman and evolution is doing its job!
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  • EmerEmer member
    I'm the same way since having the kids. The sad stories just hit so much closer to home.
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  • L L CGL L CG

    I think about this all the time.  My sensitivity to anything related to child abuse, children dying, child illness, etc., is so high.  I really try to limit my exposure to those kinds of stories because they take their toll on me as well.

    Thanks for posting.  I knew I wasn't the only one who felt this way but I am really glad that it's more common than I thought. 

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