This might sound a bit silly, but I realised the other day that I get anxious when the house is too quiet. I have a toddler, so I got used to constant noise, toys everywhere, running around, random shouting. That kind of chaos became normal for me.
Now that my child is getting a bit older and plays by herself more, there are moments where the house is suddenly calm. And instead of enjoying it, my brain goes straight into panic. I start thinking something must be wrong. I get up to check on her, even when she is literally just drawing or looking at books.
I talked to a friend and she said she is the same. She told me after becoming a parent her whole body stays in alert mode all the time. Even when nothing is happening, her mind fills the silence with worry.
I know this is my own issue and not anyone else’s fault. I am trying to learn to relax again, but it feels strange to let my guard down.