Having HA and parenting a child. Pretty scared.

[Hereismyusername]

Hubby and I have no kids but we're adopting a newborn who will be here anytime from now until early March (birth mom tends to give birth early). I am BEYOND excited! I've wanted to be a mom for so long.

Here's my problem, of course - I've always been a hypochondriac. I had actually learned to not stress over "fatal" symptoms and I was doing really really well for the last 5 years. But now that the birth of our son is so close, all of my old hypo tendencies are coming back with a vengeance! For instance, if my stomach hurts or if I have a really bad headache one day, all I can think is "I can't POSSIBLY take care of a baby if this turns into something worse!"

But of course, my anxiety about parenting is CAUSING me to have certain symptoms. Like last night I woke up at 1am in panic mode and feeling like I could die. And again, all I could think about was the fact that I can't take care of a baby if I'm having a panic attack and dying. Argh!! Having our first baby is such a huge life change that it's like my brain can't deal with it!

So for those of you parents with HA - please tell me you're still able to raise your children!

[gcalex]

It's natural for stress to ramp up anxious thinking patterns.  Being a parent for the first time is a stresful thing, although the anticipation is probably more stressful than actually doing it.  Recognize where it's coming from and try to counter the what if thinking with positive thoughts.  Of course you will be able to take care of your baby. 

[Cattia]

I have suffered most of my life with anxiety and it can be pretty crippling at times. I have two children and although my anxiety has been pretty up and down since becoming a mum and I have been through skme really rough pat he's, including one at the moment, I have always managed to do what needed doung to look after my chidren. Your instinct to care for your baby will just kick kn and you will find you habe the energy you need to look after him. It's tough the way anxiety can cloud happy times, but once your son arrives with you, there will be so much to do to keep busy that you probably won't have as Mich time for your mind to play tricks on you.

[Hereismyusername]

I have suffered most of my life with anxiety and it can be pretty crippling at times. I have two children and although my anxiety has been pretty up and down since becoming a mum and I have been through skme really rough pat he's, including one at the moment, I have always managed to do what needed doung to look after my chidren. Your instinct to care for your baby will just kick kn and you will find you habe the energy you need to look after him. It's tough the way anxiety can cloud happy times, but once your son arrives with you, there will be so much to do to keep busy that you probably won't have as Mich time for your mind to play tricks on you.

This makes me feel better, thanks. I sure hope my parenting instincts are stronger than my anxiety instincts!

although the anticipation is probably more stressful than actually doing it

That's exactly what I think! Because of my HA I'm terrified of him being here, but at the same time I wish his due date would get here quickly so that I can get the anticipation over with. That's the worst part!