Panic attacks and anxiety | New Dads | Dad Chat Forums

hello all

I have recently become a father for the first time and whilst it was initially great i am now in a bad place as now i cant stop worrying about my son and what might happen to him. I keep being hit with a stomach tightening, skin tingling anxiety about something happening to him. When i go to bed, I can't sleep and I play over possible dangers to him in my mind. Sometime i think that I could be a threat to him.

The more I try to suppress the thoughts, the more common they become. I had taken time off work for the birth and subsequent few weeks and to an extent, I was able to manage my anxiety by giving myself reassuring talkings to and going for walks and getting good exercise. It was upon my return to work that my problems have really begun.

I was sitting in a meeting on my first day back, with my heart thumping in my chest and a feeling that I was going to pass out.

Work is a nightmare as bizarrely the anxieties increased when I was away from my son, my thoughts convincing my that something unthinkable would happen each night. Don’t get me wrong, I do love my son and enjoy holding and talking to my him but the anxieties dominate each day and I am beginning to fear being alone with him.

Help!!!!

I think that is something that will continue the rest of your life!! But you will get used to them and how to deal with them.

I recommend time for meditation and thinking through your decisions, that you may logically convince yourself of your potency and effectiveness as a father. The fact that you ARE worried about things probably puts you ahead of the game, anyway.

Allow yourself to feel whatever you're feeling, don't repress anything. Then reflect upon your emotion. That way you can be a caring, confident parent.

btw – I came accross your post while looking for assistance with unwelcome emotional reactions to my child, as well. Thanks for the re-direction!