Am I crazy?

O.k. so this has been going on for a couple of weeks and I can't take it anymore. I constantly think about all of these awful things that could potentially happen to me and the boys while we are home by ourselves. I have been up since 2 am. I woke up because one of the boys wanted a binky and then I couldn't go back to sleep because I was thinking all of this crap, and I couldn't stop it. I tried to think of other things, but, my thoughts would always go right back to the house catching on fire, someone breaking into the house, someone trying to kill me and my boys were screaming, etc. What is going on here? Why do I always think of all of this stuff? It's driving me nuts, especially now that I'm losing sleep over it, and I don't know what to do about it. HELP!!!!!!

 

O.k. so this has been going on for a couple of weeks and I can't take it anymore. I constantly think about all of these awful things that could potentially happen to me and the boys while we are home by ourselves. I have been up since 2 am. I woke up because one of the boys wanted a binky and then I couldn't go back to sleep because I was thinking all of this crap, and I couldn't stop it. I tried to think of other things, but, my thoughts would always go right back to the house catching on fire, someone breaking into the house, someone trying to kill me and my boys were screaming, etc. What is going on here? Why do I always think of all of this stuff? It's driving me nuts, especially now that I'm losing sleep over it, and I don't know what to do about it. HELP!!!!!!

 

I think it's a mommy thing. I used to be so care free, never locked the doors, wasn't ever worried about getting mugged, robbed, the house catching on fire. And now, I am freakin paranoid! I get up in the middle of the night and un plug things, check doors. I had to move all the furniture in the house so if I sit down I am always facing the doors. I constantly worry about what will happen to the boys if I don't come home because of a car accident. I don't know how much of it is a normal reaction to being a new parent and at what point it can be considered some sort of pyschological disorder ( I think I'm almost there), but if it's keeping you up at night, you might want to try some meds.

 

No, I don't think you're crazy. I was thinking crazy things the other night and was surprised by it. I was pretty balanced during my pregnancy and have been since the babies were born (thank God), hence my surprise when I had irrational thoughts. I think it was in reaction to something I read on twinstuff. Anyway, what I did honestly was say this prayer over and over in my head and focus on relaxing my body, starting at my head, neck, shoulders, arms, etc...all the way to my toes. That seemed to help and fell asleep. Last night I was fine.

 

You are not crazy at all. My Dh for for the next 5months is on overnight shifts, so I too seem more paranoid at night. But we did have an alarm system installed that I set everynight and I made my husband go and check all the fire alarms, plus we have a fire extinguisher in our bedroom just incase. I also made DH install more outside lights around the house to keep it well lit. All of that really helps me sleep much better at night now. Good luck.

Stacy

 

No, you are not crazy. My thing is I constantly think about dying since I've had the boys and afaid my parents are gonna die, etc. It's sometimes all I worry about. I am turning 30 next month and I also don't have that carefree attitude I once had. Now I have lots of responsibilty and a family of my own. DH and I have been together for 6 yrs. now and I have a 9 yr. old SD but It wasn't until I had my own that I've felt this way. Alot of ppl I grew up with have died recently but I think it is relativly normal, I guess. I am always worried about the doors being locked and I don't like being out after 7pm with the boys stuff like that.

 

No, you are not crazy. But the way you respond to this depends on the degree to which it's interfering with your life. Having frequent or constant scary thoughts that you just can't shake, that keep you up at night or make you afraid to leave the house, etc., is a sign of PPD or postpartum OCD/anxiety, and counseling and/or meds could really help. But in a milder way, it is totally normal to have those thoughts when you become a parent. You are suddenly responsible for these little bitty lives, and it's terrifying! Like I said, it's a difference of degree.

 

I agree with Minette, if it's causing you problems, you really do need to talk to a doc. This happens to a lot of people and there is no shame in seeking help!

 

I had the same thing with my first child. I ended up having postpartum depression and was put on meds. My other three pregnancies were fine. Just keep reminding yourself you are fine and nothing will happen. I would just see a doc.

 

If your crazy, then I am too!! I dont so much worry about anyone breaking in, I have 5 dogs, one of which is over 120lbs, I dont think anyone would be stupid enough to come in this house! But I do worry about other things, my biggest scare, is someone wanting to kidnap them. I was talking to my mom today and we are going to have a garage sale this spring and she asked if I was going to put the girls in their playpen in the garage while we ran the sale. I looked at her like she was CRAZY and my exact words were "Why, so someone can distract us and kidnap them"...She thinks I worry to much and maybe I do but I am always thinking that someone is out to get them. When they came home, I wouldnt let anyone put up the "It's a girl" sign b/c to me that is advertisment to a kidnapper. I also dont go anywhere with them by myself. I am worried that while my back is turned putting one in the car seat that someone will walk up and take the other one, or that a car will swoop in and run over the stroller.... Maybe it is a day in the age mom thing. With everything we see on TV and how crazy the world is, no wonder why we all worry.

I have always been a paranoid person so I am not overly concerned that I feel this way.

 

Ok, i thought i was the only one. A lot of things like that go through my head all the time. Especially with all the news about child abduction going on, i'm thinking of enrolling my kids to a self-defense class or martial arts or something when they turn two! DH thinks i'm nuts!