Anger issues?

SMac2013 · August 2015

i don't know what has been wrong with me lately. It seems like for the past month I get so angry anytime my lo cries for a long period of time. Like I have no patience for it anymore, something just shifted and i feel like I can not handle the cries. I have never had anger issues or even get angry before but I sometimes feel furious when he cries. Mostly in the middle of the night (I think it may have something to do with lack of sleep??) I would never hurt him... Ever. But I think what happens if I snap? I have never felt so angry before. When I start getting angry I set him down and walk away and usually cry because I feel so guilty. I have even snapped at my husband for stupid things and punched him in the chest the other day. I don't know what is wrong with me, I feel guilty, and I don't think the people I have talked to about it (husband and mom) understand what I am feeling. Mom told me to suck it up and get over it because babies cry. It's not like I want to feel this way.

myjessesgirl · August 2015

It is difficult. I have gotten very impatient, too, at times. And it can be scary! But you are doing what you should: walking away when you need to. We are required to watch a video about shaken baby syndrome before discharge at the hospital in which I delivered, and you watch it and think how awful for those parents to react like that! And then you're there and realize that it is hard sometimes to deal with crying and you just need to walk away for a moment to regain your composure. (I have discussed this with other moms, too, so I know I'm not the only one that sometimes feels guilty about getting angry!) The combination of lack of sleep and utter exhaustion, hormone changes, and the feeling that the charm of having a new baby has worn off all seems to contribute to my moods. I'm short-tempered with others and feel like just crying sometimes. I know that sleeping helps me, so I'd recommend trying to get more if possible. Even just taking a day for yourself every so often might help. This whole being a mom thing is full of ups and downs, so hang in there! Soon you'll be looking back on these days with fond memories (or maybe just relief!) and wishing your teenager was five months old again. Hoping you get some help so that you can take care of yourself soon!

SMac2013 · August 2015

Thank you! Yes! We had to watch the shaken baby syndrome videos before I was discharged... They made me cry and I was so mad that they would make us watch such a horrible video when I just delivered, my baby was in NICU, and my hormones were insane!

AshleyAndMark · August 2015

Call your doctor.

Christina80xoxo · August 2015

I agree. Call your doctor. It's very common! They will know how to help you. I was very depressed. To the point I was hurting myself. Not like me. I got help and I'm feeling so much better. Please, see what they say. It doesn't make you a bad mom or person at all. our bodies went through a lot and still are. Everyone needs a little help sometimes

good luck!

Clobert · August 2015

Yes to call your doctor and when you feel overwhelmed put baby down in a safe place like the crib and step out of the room and just take some time to calm down.

richdog · August 2015

When I start to get frustrated, I stop, take a breath, and remind myself that this phase won't last forever. It will pass. Then, I try to stop and look at my LO and remember what a blessing she is. Sometimes this is hard, and I do have to just walk away to take a minute. Just make sure your LO is in a safe place, and take a few minutes to breathe. I find that prayer helps as well. Do talk to your doctor if you think you need to. No shame there. This mommy thing is hard! Hang in there! Let us know how it's going.

SMac2013 · August 2015

This week has been a lot better. I feel like I go through spurts of stress and last week was one of them. If this continues I will find a doctor. I am hoping last week my hormones were just acting crazy, I feel a lot better this week.