Anyone else get anxiety about nothing in particular? | DadHQ

Anyone else get anxiety about nothing in particular?

1d ago1 min read

I've been having these waves of anxiety lately that just hit me out of nowhere. Like I'll be sitting on the couch watching TV and suddenly my chest gets tight and I'm convinced something bad is about to happen, but I can't pinpoint what. My therapist says it's just my nervous system being hyperactive but it's honestly exhausting. Does anyone else deal with this? What helps you get through it?

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Comments(6)

AAndrew T.New Dadjust now

Those waves hit me randomly too and it's unsettling because there's no trigger you can point to. Sometimes it's just dad brain overload from managing schedules, finances, keeping kids alive, etc. Your nervous system is probably just maxed out. Maybe try blocking out some time that's just for you every week, no dad duties.

MMatt D.Regular1d ago

Yeah those out of nowhere waves are rough. I've started noticing it happens when I'm in my head too much instead of doing something with the boys. Getting outside helps reset mine.

TTyler K.Regular1d ago

That chest tightness is real and it sucks. Mini golf actually helps with that for me because it gets your brain focused on something small and dumb instead of spiraling.

MMike R.New Dad1d ago

Anxiety doesn't need a reason to show up, that's the worst part. Between shuttling kids everywhere I've had those random waves hit. Deep breaths help but also just naming it as anxiety instead of something worse takes the edge off.

RRyanNew Dad19h ago

I get these too, man. They just come out of nowhere like a wave. For me it's usually 2am or early morning. What helps is remembering that the anxiety doesn't mean anything is actually wrong. Breathing exercises sound cheesy but they actually work. Have you tried just sitting with it for a few minutes instead of fighting it?

AAlexRegular9h ago

Yeah I've been dealing with this the last couple years. Being a parent brings up a lot of subconscious stuff. My therapist says it's pretty common for dads to start experiencing anxiety they didn't have before kids. Have you thought about talking to someone professional? Changed a lot for me.