Can Parenting Cause Anxiety? the short answer is YES . Motherhood and fatherhood can be stressful, even if you’re the most relaxed person on earth.
It’s normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed sometimes, but if it’s affecting your ability to function in everyday life, then that’s when you need to be aware that something may be going on beyond what your typical day-to-day stress might cause.
Here are 10 signs that parenting and children may be causing anxiety that you should keep an eye out for.
1) A feeling of constant dread
Everyone can be anxious from time to time, but if you feel a constant dread or unease with no apparent cause, it might be affecting you more than you think.
Here are some signs that parenting and children may be causing anxiety:
Feeling constantly on edge – This feeling of dread can make everything seem worse than it is. There’s always a sense that something could go wrong at any moment and it can become difficult to relax or enjoy life.
Difficulty sleeping – If your mind is racing all day and night, you’ll have trouble getting restful sleep, which will just make your anxiety worse in the long run.
If this happens to you regularly, try practicing yoga or meditation before bedtime to help manage stress.
2) A need to be in control at all times
I try to be a patient and supportive parent. I give my kids a lot of freedom to make their own choices and generally let them do what they want.
But there is one thing that, no matter how hard I try, I cannot control: the anxiety my son feels about school. My daughter is equally anxious about starting kindergarten this year but it doesn’t seem to bother her as much.
Every morning for the past few weeks, he has asked me if he can stay home from school because he’s afraid of being late and not feeling well.
He tells me that his stomach hurts and begs me to call the school so they’ll let him stay home and rest in bed all day while we watch movies together like old times.
3) A fear of making mistakes
Parenting is a tough job! So many responsibilities and worries to take care of. And it can be hard when you’re trying your best but things just don’t go the way you want.
But if you find yourself worrying about every little detail, feeling anxious at the thought of messing up, or feeling like you’re going to lose it at any moment, it may be time to get some help.
There are lots of ways that parenting can cause anxiety, and recognizing your personal triggers is the first step in getting back on track. Here are ten signs that parenting may be affecting your mental health
4) A feeling of being overwhelmed
Parenting is a difficult job. There are so many things to worry about and keep track of that it can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. Just like any other job, parenting can cause anxiety if you feel like the task at hand is too much for you to handle.
If you’re experiencing these feelings, there are a few ways that you can help yourself out:
1) Start with one thing at a time – try not to take on too many responsibilities or tasks at once in order to prevent overwhelmed from setting in.
2) Let go of your standards – this may be easier said than done, but it’s important to remember that perfectionism will only lead to more stress and anxiety.
5) A fear of disappointing others
We live in a society that creates high expectations for parents. Parents are expected to do everything, be everything, and have it all together. When you can’t live up to the impossible standards set by society, you may start feeling anxious about disappointing your family.
In some cases, this can lead to feelings of inadequacy and worry that you’re not good enough. One way to make sure that parenting isn’t causing your anxiety is to learn more about what’s causing it in the first place so you can pinpoint where the problem stems from.
6) A fear of not being good enough
If you are a parent, it can be hard to feel like you are doing a good job at parenting. As every child is different and what works for one may not work for another, it can be easy to start to feel like you have done something wrong.
There are many worries that come along with parenting, such as whether or not your child will be successful in life, or if they will have anxiety themselves.
If you find yourself struggling with your own anxiety while being a parent, there are some steps that you can take to help yourself out.
7) A fear of change
The fear of change is a very real feeling, and as a parent, it’s even more prevalent. When you’re the person in charge of your child’s well-being, safety, and happiness, change can feel like the enemy.
And when you’re also trying to juggle work and other responsibilities while taking care of your kids, sometimes it feels like there just isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. All that pressure can lead to anxiety — one of the most common fears for people who are parents.
8) A fear of not being able to cope
Yes, parenting can cause anxiety. Remember that you’re not alone and that many parents find themselves in your situation.
Here are 10 signs that it might be affecting you:
1. You feel guilty or ashamed of how you are feeling
2. Your thoughts are racing and you’re unable to focus
3. You avoid situations where you will have to take care of your children
4. You worry about the future and what will happen if this goes on for a long time
5. Your mood changes more quickly than usual – for example, going from feeling really happy to really sad in an instant
6. Your daily routines have been disrupted by caring for your children (for example, no longer cooking meals)
9) A feeling of isolation
When you’re a parent, it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own. Especially if you have kids who are younger than three years old. You might be the only one with a child that age in your immediate community and the social support systems that exist for parents of older children simply don’t exist for parents of young children.
This can leave parents feeling isolated and alone during what is already an isolating time in their lives.
10) A feeling of being trapped
It’s natural to feel trapped when you’re a parent. Your life becomes all about the kids and their needs, and it can leave you feeling like you have no space for yourself in your own home. From the moment they wake up until they go to bed at night, there’s always something that needs to be done for them. But what if it doesn’t stop there? What if parenting is taking over your life and causing anxiety? Read on for signs that might mean you need help.
Read also 6 Tips For Parents To Help Their Kids Be Successful
