I had never tasted anxiety, until I drank from the cup of motherhood.
I had never struggled with anxiety.
I’m not even sure I knew what anxiety was, outside of the stress of upcoming exams or a lump in my throat before an interview.
I got anxious, but I never struggled with anxiety.
Then I had my son, and anxiety washed over me like a tidal wave.
My worry started before I even gave birth, I just didn’t realize it. I legitimately was scared to walk across my kitchen with a knife, or even to use one in general towards the end of my pregnancy. Scared I would lose my balance and fall or suddenly forget to hold on to it tightly and impale him in the womb… Has that even ever happened? Accidental impalement in utero while cooking dinner? No clue. But there’s bound to be a first time for everything.
It didn’t stop after he was born, in fact it only got worse for the first few months. I have since learned to tame it, but it still rears its ugly head sometimes.
I was very torn when Everest was a newborn. Part of me was lonely and heartbroken that my family was 6 hours away, missing these first few sweet months with this new life I had created. The other half was kind of relieved, because it meant I had to take him fewer places. It meant we could stay home where we were safe. It meant very few people had access to my most precious thing.
I didn’t realize it was anxiety at first. I thought it was just the normal worries of being a parent, until I realized it kind of wasn’t. Until I realized taking my freshly born baby anywhere involving people was crippling.
And trying to do it without Nick? Forget it.
Suddenly I realized that anxiety had knocked me down so many pegs that I could hardly bear to leave the house with just the two of us. Maybe it was because it was all so new, maybe it was my hormones still trying to find their equilibrium, I’m not sure. But I do know, that the first 6 months were a bit of a struggle.
And just to clarify, I did not struggle with postpartum depression. I was on cloud nine, happier than I had ever been, and more in love and bonded with this new baby than I ever thought possible.
I wasn’t depressed, I was just terrified.
And to all of you terrified mamas out there, I see you. All of you dreading grocery shopping, or get togethers with friends, or date nights, I see you. All of you wondering if other moms have these insane ideas of what must be happening at home when your husband, the amazing father he is, isn’t answering your text right away. I see you.
And it gets better. At least it did for me, and I hope you find what you need to make sure it does for you.
Am I still ridiculous in the scenarios I can think up? You betchya. Have I hid the hotdogs in the fridge because I’m scared whoever is watching him won’t cut them up small enough? Guilty. Do I still get a stomach ache when anyone but myself drives with Everest in a car? Definitely. Do I still panic when the babysitter doesn’t answer me for a few hours and my mind goes right to a house fire or carbon monoxide poisoning? Well duh, it could happen ya know.
But it does get easier.
Your baby won’t always be helpless. They will learn to walk away from danger, they will gain the ability to chew sufficiently, they will begin to talk and can express their needs.
The worry never leaves, it just changes. And I promise, you will become better equipped to handle it.
XoXo,
The Beautifully Mediocre Mama
P.S. I am able to keep my anxiety at bay without medication, but if you are struggling, please talk to your doctor. Let them know what you’re feeling and please, do not feel ashamed. There is no shame in loving too fiercely and wanting to protect your most precious things.
16 Comments
Mai
It sure does get better. Glad you are doing well now and you need not to have to take medication. I was also suffering from anxiety with depression but more on the anxiety side. Good thing I recognized it early on and my doc advised that I have to take some meds for some time. I am breastfeeding so I did not totally take all the prescribed meds, only on my uncontrolled episodes. I’m feeling way better now. Hang in there!
MaloreyMB
So glad you realized it early and were brave enough to speak to your doctor! Part of the reason I wrote this was to show mamas that they aren’t alone and its nothing to be ashamed of:) SO glad you are on your way to feeling better <3
Victoria
This is so real. Its incredible how you see things once you become a mother. Thank you for sharing. Your baby boy is beautiful. I love seeing moms speak their truth so we can all help eachother and know we’re not alone.
MaloreyMB
Awww thank you <3 It definitely helps to know that you're not alone in this crazy journey of motherhood.
Marna Altman
Such a great post on a very difficult topic. I commend your honesty. Nobody talks about this. Struggle with anxiety with my kids since my divorce. Something about being the only or main parent. I get up at night a check on them, less now then when I first got divorced. I also fight back tears often when I get them back from their dads or even sometimes when I pick them up from school. Being a mom is hard and being responsible for a child life can be a lot of added pressure if we think about it too much!
Shelby
I am so glad I’m not alone with this. I too keep my anxiety levels at a point where I don’t take medication. Sometimes I do wonder if it would help though. Thanks for sharing.
Sarah
This mom anxiety is some new real intense stuff! I have generalized anxiety and being a mom has brought it to a whole new level. And it’s definitely different than just regular old anxiety.
Monica
So many new feelings come up after having a baby. Motherhood is a journey, different for all of us. It does get better. Thanks for sharing!
Cendu
Motherhood is pretty much just nonstop worrying, isnt it? I can totally relate, I had a miscarriage the first time I was pregnant so I was completely paranoid the second time around and it pretty much stuff. I get all kinds of anxiety thinking about his health and safety. I remember the first year was just constant worry about my milk supply and whether he was getting enough, then worrying about poops and whether hes making enough wet diapers and now worrying whether he runs into another wall with all that uncoordinated running around.
Shelby
I totally feel you! My youngest is 2 and my oldest is 4 and I still get serious peaks of anxiety when it comes to my kids. So nice knowing I’m not alone in this one. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica
So relatable mama. Sending you all the love. Thank you for opening up and sharing this.
Amber Dunn
Post Partum Anxiety is such a real thing! I ended up with it and PPD and really struggled for a while. My Husband and family were super supportive and helped me through. Glad you were able to recognize and work through your anxiety.
Sherry
Thank you for sharing your story! Being a mom is tough and there are a lot of feelings that we have before that seem to be amplified once we have our babies. It is nice to know none of us are alone in our journey.
Mary Rohrer
I totally went through the same thing and it has gotten a little easier:)
Kyra Martinez
It’s amazing how things change once we become mothers. I can totally relate to everything that you went through!
Trish ~ Habibi House
I completely understand. I have been a mom for 28 years, and have a four-year-old now. Every once in a while fear grips me. Like I am borrowing them. UGH