Bruxism

[plaintomatopasta]

Good morning, I have recently been through quite a lot of stress and anxiety but have been seeing a therapist again so it's getting dealt with. The problem is I've had a headache for over a week now and OTC painkillers don't touch it. I've recently started getting episodes of teeth chattering and therefore clenching them in my sleep and have awful jaw ache.

I'm off my food and therefore have no energy. My DC is trying his best to help me be happy (he's 2) but I feel guilty because I should be taking him out somewhere. I can't drive him though because my head hurts so much I'm worried about driving the car.

Anyone got any advice on stopping the teeth or relieving the pain?

[NolongerAnxiousCarer]

I've heard of mouthguards you can get to help with teeth grinding, not sure if this would help, I think they are from dentist.

I get teeth chattering when I'm really stressed and run down, I find mindfulness and meditation helpful and neck massage to relieve headaches. Have done this to myself sucessfully. Also accupuncture can be helpful for stress/tension headaches.

[Mupflup]

I had a mouth guard from the dentist, IIRC it cost me about 50 quid. Eventually it seemed to just stop me grinding, not sure how!

[plaintomatopasta]

Thank you. I actually have seen an acupuncturist today and again next week. He said he can relieve the pain (which he has a bit) but the anxiety will take longer. I think I might have to start my meditation and mindfulness again. I used to do DBT which involved a lot of mindfulness and I enjoyed it.

Thank you. I feel a bit better tonight but still guilty I didn't take my son out to do anything fun on the last day of the holidays 😐 at least he won't remember it. No one ever comes back in 20yrs and says "remember that day I wanted to go to the beach when I was 2 and you just wanted to stay home and cry because your face hurt!"

[NolongerAnxiousCarer]

It's not your fault you've been poorly and at that age your son is probably happy playing at home and doesn't know hes missed out on anything. And like you say he won't remember this bit when hes older.

[plaintomatopasta]

@nolongeranxiouscarer thank you. I shouldn't feel bad because I know it's not my fault but the anxiety that causes my bruxism is part of a bigger picture of postnatal depression with periods of psychosis, EUPD and ptsd which all means I have days when I'm a pretty crappy parent. The feeling then causes guilt and it all feeds each other. Actually though my son is very vocal and tells me I'm his hero and I'm beautiful (I was trying on a bridesmaid dress) and that makes me think I've done something right.