Moms, do you have uncontrollable fears about the thought of losing your child?

Question

Whenever I think about anything happening to my son I start to panic. My chest gets tight, my eyes well up with tears or I may go into a full blown cry and I feel out of control. I dont think its normal to constantly think "what if" about your own child. My husbands brother passed away 2 yrs ago at 16 to cancer and I dont know if now I fear that I could lose my son too at any point or what but its consuming me. I think about car accidents, medical illnesses, choking, freak accidents, I dont know why I cant just live normal

He is my 1st child and 14 months old

Answer 1

I am a mom of a two year old little girl, I do the same thing, every time I see a movie or show dealing with children being hurt or sick in some way I freak out!! I also think about "what if" and get anxiety attacks as well...when she was an infant I would go into her room 5-6 times a night to make sure she was breathing because I was terrified of SIDS.
I think it is normal to worry, but if it consumes everyday life and prevents you from dealing with responsibility then it may be wise to seek counseling. Also I wouldn't advise having these episodes in front of your child as it might scare him..
Good Luck!!

Answer 2

If you are a new mom, this is pretty normal. My daughter is 14 months and I well up at the news of any strange child being injured in any way. I immediately think "what if that ever happened to my baby". If you feel it consumes most of your thoughts, talk to your doctor or have them recommend a counselor to help you sort out your feelings. You might consider taking medication to help you deal with your anxieties too. I hate the thought of just popping a pill for anything and everything, but in some cases they are necessary.

Answer 3

Don't let it consume you. I too go through that but not to the extent you are going through. I think of something awful and then get very teary eyed. How you suffered from any trauma as a child such as abuse or watched someone be abused? Some how this is how we deal with anxiety. You must realize that you are doing everything to keep your son safe and secure. I would say that it is normal for us mothers to have a heighten sensitivity when it comes to our children. It is God's way of making us aware and trusting our intuition. You are going to be ok. Make sure you take care of yourself and take a moment out of the day to relax and breath. If you feel this is taking over your life discuss it with your doctor. You don't want you child to grow up with the same anxiety. Take care of yourself you are not crazy. best of luck and health from one mommy to another

Answer 4

Yes we lost a little boy who was only 12 that was like part of our family. He was mulled to death by a stray dog two years ago. It's hell.I am a very over protective mother. My husbands sister was killed at only 13. She had come home from school and had left her key inside the house, she climed up on astoop to get in a window and she lost her footing and the window came down on her.My husbands father lost a brother to a drowining, so things do happen, we never know how long we have here on this earth when God calls for you you have to go. Its life. I say live each day to the fullist. And if your feeling depressed try some prozax it works great for me.

Answer 5

Hi,
I have an anxiety disorder that I just became aware of a yr ago.
Intrusive thoughts like that are common, in any situation regarding your child.
I have twin Boys and I have often felt that same way. It is a normal anxiety but my sincere advice would be to tell you to go and see your Dr.
Anxiety disorders are so common, more then people know. They can include thoughts like that.
I have actually been in thearpy and have learned coaping techniques to help with those intrusive thoughts.
Just keep reminding yourself that some anxieties are "normal".
Especially worrying about your child, it can potentially be a problem if it starts to effect your everyday life.
Good Luck to you!

Answer 6

I think it's normal to fear things. But in excess, you should maybe go talk to a professional. You worrying so much about your child is going to make them uneasy and be upset to see you upset, or it's going to make them worry about everything and unable to be an independent person. Even at 14 months, he needs to be independent and do things on his own. Let him fall down, he'll learn it doesn't always hurt and I don't need mom to pick me up. Let him throw a fit, he'll learn to understand why he gets upset, and that it's not a big deal. This doesn't mean your child is going to die. And the big picture is this: You don't have control over your child's life and when it will end. God does.
So cheer up and enjoy your little one and watch the wonder God has created for you to take care of here on earth. He is only going to be this small for this little while.

Answer 7

It is very normal for all moms to feel this way at some point in their lives. However if this is putting you into panic attacks I would suggest that you seek some counsel. We have these fears as mothers but we also have to believe that they are in the Lords hands and he will guide and protect them. You have to have some peace of mind or you will make yourself crazy. You will over shelter your child and cause problems and resentment. I hope that you will be able to come to a sense of peace soon. Take care of yourself. God bless

Answer 8

A bit much, but completely normal with the first one. The first baby we make sure everything is disinfected and spotless. We avoid anyone who just might be getting ill. We are there scooping them up after every little stumble. We fuss and fret about them sampling things like leaves and grass. After 2 or 3 or 7 kids, you'll calm down a bit, but as a mother you will always have concern for your child's happiness and welfare.

Answer 9

I used to when my daughter was first born, but now, no. I think every parent fears this naturally, but I keep it in the back of my mind. Life's way too short to worry over "what if." You only have today, so live it to the fullest! If you worry, your child will sense this and not be able to feel comfortable either. Enjoy it for what it's worth, cause this is all we've got!

Answer 10

I've had & have thoughts like those also. While it is a real fear, we can't let our thoulght's get the best of us. I think it's normal but I also think you should quickly TRY to get your mind involved in somthing else once it starts. Our children are the most important part of our lives and we are only human. All we can do is love them and protect them, but they need to see us as strong, confident and loving parents. Our weakness's could be their downfalls. I try to never let my son (who is 4) see me when I'm emotional. Good luck with fighting this fear, because I know how over whelming it can be.