Mother's confusion and stress, what to do?

Question: "I'm safe now...but I'm shaking all the time, my legs and arms are shaking, I can't eat and it's hard to move, especially when I look at my daughter, she'll be 2 years old tomorrow." I am very worried that I let her down, that I could not be a support for her, I hardly spend time with her. Because of this, I try to avoid contact with her. Are there any techniques for getting out of such a state? I understand that the child needs me now like never before and I am afraid that my behavior will only make him worse."

Source: Instagram @bebinka63

Response

Natalia Movchan

Perinatal psychologist, breastfeeding consultant

www.instagram.com/natamovchan_ua @nata_movchan_perinatal www.perinatal.org.ua www.mamavbt.pro/

What happens to the body: a shock reaction to the amount of adrenaline and catecholamines (stress hormones). Children do not know what a mother should be in this or that situation, although they understandably need help.

• First of all, you need to get your body back, and your mind will follow it.
• Wrap yourself in a blanket, drink water in small sips, go to sleep, ask a second adult to stay with the child.
• Often gently tap the borders of your body, clap.
• Stomping feet. Scream into the pillow, cry.
• This allows you to react, not freeze.

Source: Instagram @tanyachuyan

Then, when you come to your senses:

• talk to the child
• briefly describe the situation and your own emotions,
• ask for forgiveness, thank him for his patience and return to the role of a caring mother.

Let everything work out!

Give yourself time to adapt. No one has taught you from childhood what war is. It's normal to be confused, it's normal to be afraid. It's normal to get better and get better. If it doesn't work out, the child can have a second adult, and the mother needs her adult.

This is all temporary!

Read more:

Panic attack, hysteria, fear: methods of first psychological aid from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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