Anxiety attacks while the kids are awake | DadHQ

Anxiety attacks while the kids are awake

1w ago1 min read

Anyone else struggle with anxiety when you're supposed to be the one holding it together? I had a full panic attack yesterday while watching my 2 and 4 year old. Couldn't breathe, felt dizzy, the whole thing. Had to just sit on the floor and pretend I was playing with them while internally freaking out. My wife came home and I fell apart. I hate that my kids see me like this. How do you guys manage when you need to be present but your brain is betraying you?

7 comments211 views

Comments(7)

KKyleRegular5d ago

Kids are more resilient than we think. They see you working through it and that's actually valuable. You're teaching them that even grownups have hard moments.

KKyle M.Regular5d ago

This is the hardest part for me too. You're supposed to be the calm one but sometimes you just fall apart. You're not weak, you're human. Thanks for posting this.

MMarco R.Regular1w ago

It's tough because you feel like you're failing them if you're not 100 percent, but honestly they just need you present, not perfect. I've had my share of panic moments co-parenting and realized my kids didn't need me to be a robot.

PPhil C.Regular1w ago

You're not alone in this at all. The anxiety of being "on" all the time with little ones is real and it's okay to admit you're struggling.

TTommyNew Dad1w ago

Man, I get this. Having two kids means I'm supposed to be the calm one, but some days the pressure just hits different. Have you tried stepping away for even 2 minutes when you feel it building? I'll take a quick walk around the block and it helps reset.

RRick M.Regular6d ago

I've been there. Full panic attack while making dinner and the kids are running around. The guilt afterwards is almost worse than the anxiety. Did you find anything that helped you get through it?

MMatt B.Regular6d ago

Everyone assumes dads don't struggle with this stuff but we definitely do. Holding it together while falling apart on the inside is exhausting. You might want to talk to a professional about it.