Oh, Amanda, that sounds so scary - and Jess, my mom has had regular panic attacks through the years (usually in the middle of the night, so I didn't witness them much, but Dad would sit with her). I think they were definitely worse the more stress she was under/the younger we kids were. She always says the roughest time was having 2 kids under 5 (even harder than 6 kids total!). Like your mom said, she had to cut out a LOT of extra activities, really simplify things, and she even hired a teenaged girl to be a "mother's helper" for a while. I think they've diminished a LOT - like maybe once a year, max.
My sister Eliza also struggles daily with generalized anxiety/low-grade depression. She REALLY doesn't want to start medication. I've discussed it a lot with her... I can completely understand her (and your) reluctance. And I really hope some sort of herbal/homeopathic remedy makes you feel better - I believe that the right combo can (B vitamins were also suggested to her). But there's also NO shame in getting more help/medication, if it ultimately makes your life more livable (I've heard mixed things - for one friend, it's completely changed her life for the better). It's a tough, tough decision, though.
My heart and thoughts are with you - I've struggled with a bit of anxiety off and on myself, and I can't imagine dealing with it to a stronger degree while trying to parent little kids (parenting is a hard enough job as it is!). I truly believe that things WILL get better - you will find a way through this, whatever the means, and this will NOT be how the rest of your life feels. Hold on to that. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for! Love to you, friend.
My sister Eliza also struggles daily with generalized anxiety/low-grade depression. She REALLY doesn't want to start medication. I've discussed it a lot with her... I can completely understand her (and your) reluctance. And I really hope some sort of herbal/homeopathic remedy makes you feel better - I believe that the right combo can (B vitamins were also suggested to her). But there's also NO shame in getting more help/medication, if it ultimately makes your life more livable (I've heard mixed things - for one friend, it's completely changed her life for the better). It's a tough, tough decision, though.
My heart and thoughts are with you - I've struggled with a bit of anxiety off and on myself, and I can't imagine dealing with it to a stronger degree while trying to parent little kids (parenting is a hard enough job as it is!). I truly believe that things WILL get better - you will find a way through this, whatever the means, and this will NOT be how the rest of your life feels. Hold on to that. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for! Love to you, friend.
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