Please help me stop being an anxious mum..

[happymum91]

Hi, I just need some advice and to hear of other people's experiences on how to deal with anxiety. I'm a mum of 2 who are both under 3 which as some of you may know can be a nightmare at times, especially when out and about.
I really suffer with anxiety and depression and am very sensitive. Especially when it comes to rude comments from other people while we are out somewhere. For example I often get funny looks from people if my oldest ds is having a tantrum in public and a couple of times people have said nasty things under their breath which should just go over my head but they don't. It stays in my mind and i really bring myself down about it for ages.
I really can't handle it and often get panic attacks.
I am on my own a lot as my husband works long hours most days but he doesn't really understand what I'm going through. He just says I need a thicker skin and just to not worry about it (which obviously doesn't help!).
I'm sorry if I've rambled or that doesn't make any sense but I just want to know how you deal with this kind of anxiety and how to stop being so sensitive.
I've had anxiety from my childhood which has probably stemmed from my abusive father. I'm taking medication for both my anxiety and depression and have had some counselling but I didn't find it helped that much. Thank you for reading x

This is really tough - sometimes you may think people are judging you when they're actually sympathising and sometimes you may be unlucky enough to come across people who have no realistic idea of toddler behaviour!
Personally I thought through how I wanted to deal with tantrums when I wasn't under pressure (and also watched other people dealing with their kids to see what I thought worked and what didn't). Once I had it clear in my mind I then just switched off a bit from what other people might be thinking - not to say it wasn't still stressful but at least I wasn't panicking too much in the actual moment.

I actually compliment people if I see them coping really well with toddler misbehaviour - at first I was worried they might feel patronised but they've all been delighted so far!

Thank you for your reply. I really like the idea of complimenting other parents. I wouldn't feel patronised at all if someone took the time to pay me a compliment on my parenting. I have had other parents giving me a comforting smile before and some people just stare
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