QUESTION FROM NEWBIE

brandi*aidyn · Post by **brandi*aidyn** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 2:52 am

ok so I was wondering about everyones thoughts on my situation. I am trying to overcome anxiety, but I am a single mom, and everytime I try to go out and do something, I feel like I can do it and be fine but what if something happens to my son, I am more worried about his safety than getting over this I guess. Any thoughts? His dad is in prison BTW

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 2:56 pm

Brandi,

You are in a tough situation, trying to rear a child by yourself right now. I am not sure I understand your question. I am assuming you aren't just leaving him by himself when you go out, so are you obsessing over his safety and "what if-ing" that we tend to do when you are away from him? If so, you definitely need to do the program. So many times throughout it, people in the group portion or Lucinda will talk about how children have been helped because they saw their parents overcome their own fears and it gave them the strength to overcome theirs too. In the long run, it will be beneficial for your child for you to learn these coping skills.

Not sure that I answered your question--if not clarify. I'll check back later.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 4:55 am

well I want to go out and do things like the program says, but I dont want to get to tired because of a panic attack because at the end of the day I still have to come home and care for him by myself (he's 2). I dont want to get mad easily at him because its not his fault. I also fear for his safety when I am out and about because if he is in the car and Im having a panic attack I will feel as though hes not being cared for because no one else is around, and im "out of commission".

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 6:21 am

Brandi,

Is there a friend or relative who could babysit him while you go out? You could start with short practice sessions that don't wear you out and gradually work up as you feel more uncomfortable.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 18, 2010 9:55 am

Gee, sometimes I don't know about myself! I meant to say as you feel more comfortable. Of course you don't want to work up to "uncomfortable". You are not really "out of commission" when you are having a panic attack--it just feels that way. Most people can still think rationally and do stuff. You are just having body symptoms usually. Of course, I am applying "the usual"--you may have worse panic attacks than the norm. Hope you can figure something out.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 18, 2010 12:18 pm

Brandi, I hope you are working the program because I am a single mom and it has worked wonders for me. Your child is at a very impressionable age and you may start to notice that he is also anxious since the condition is hereditary. So if you get help; you will know how to help him if it becomes necessary. Hang in there and stick with the program because there is hope for overcoming stress and anxiety.