Anxiety keeping me up at night | DadHQ

Anxiety keeping me up at night

1w ago1 min read

My wife is asleep next to me and I'm lying here at 2 AM running through everything that could go wrong. Money stuff mostly. What if I lose my job, what if the house needs repairs, what if my kids don't have enough for college. I know logically we're fine but my brain won't shut off. I've been dealing with this for years but it's getting worse. Started seeing a therapist last month and it's helping a little but nights are still rough.

6 comments137 views

Comments(6)

PPhil M.New Dad1w ago

The 2 AM spiral is real. I've been there so many times, just lying awake thinking about worst case scenarios for things that are probably fine. Have you tried any breathing exercises or does your mind just not want to shut off?

CChris M.New Dad1w ago

That's rough. The anxiety about being responsible for everything really hits different when you're a parent. Have you talked to your doctor about it or maybe tried therapy? Worth exploring if it's becoming a pattern.

GGarrettRegular1w ago

I've been there too many nights. What helped me was realizing I can't control half that stuff anyway. Easier said than done I know, but once I accepted that, the anxiety loosened its grip a bit.

BBradRegular1w ago

Have you looked into melatonin or any sleep aids? Not saying that's the answer to anxiety but if your brain won't shut down at least you could try to force some rest. The anxiety part you might need to talk to someone about though.

JJasonNew Dad1w ago

I feel this in my bones. With two kids and crazy work schedules I'm up at all hours sometimes just running through what ifs. Talk to your wife about it if you can. Sometimes just saying the worries out loud makes them less intense.

PPatrick M.New Dad1w ago

Man, I know that 2 AM feeling. The spiral of worst case scenarios is real. Have you tried any breathing techniques or just getting up for a bit instead of lying there? Sometimes that helps me reset.