I've been dealing with anxiety for a while and it's getting worse. When I'm with the kids I'm constantly worried something bad is going to happen, I check the locks obsessively, and I can't relax even when we're just watching a movie. My wife has noticed and says the kids are picking up on my stress. I started therapy last month but I'm wondering if other dads deal with this. Does it get better?
I hear this so much from the dads I work with. The anxiety creates this self-fulfilling prophecy where you're worried about being anxious, which makes you more anxious. Have you talked to someone professional about it? Sometimes just having tools to manage it changes everything with the kids.
This hits different when you recognize it in yourself. I started doing some breathing exercises right before we do family time and it actually helps me reset. Not a cure but it gives me a few minutes where I'm actually there instead of in my head.
Man I hear you on this. The anxiety spiral when you're supposed to be present with the kids is rough. Have you talked to your doctor about it? Sometimes it's not just about willpower, there's actual stuff that can help.
Have you tried just telling your kids what's going on? Not all the details obviously but like 'Dad gets worried about stuff sometimes and it has nothing to do with you.' My kids actually get less anxious when they know it's not their fault.
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Been there man. I realized my anxiety was robbing me of just being present with them. Started seeing a therapist and it genuinely helped. The kids don't need a perfect dad, they need a present one. You're already aware of it which is half the battle.
What specific situations trigger it the most? Is it being in charge of them alone or something else? Sometimes naming the trigger helps you deal with it.