OK a lil prob help me out

Canada
October 27, 2006 1:55pm CST
Do any of you feel socially with drawn? Im a new mom and we barley even leave the house, if we do go out for a play date I sit quiet in the corner, its like im intimidated of people, its almost scarry. what do you guys think would help?
2 people like this
7 responses
• Canada
27 Oct 06
Being a new mom, you have to remember that you're still on an emotional roller coaster as your hormones adjust to "normal" again. Is it possible that you have post-partum depression? It is quite common, and often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. Sometimes medication helps, but sometimes simply having someone to talk to, like a family doctor or new-mom support group can do wonders for your mind and mental well-being, and sense that you're still a part of the "adult world". You may be a mom and your baby may mean everything to you, but you still need adult interaction and stimuli, even if it's just to talk "baby stuff". Good luck, and take care!
• Canada
27 Oct 06
I don't think it post-partum, my son is on eof the few things i can deal with and that make me smile, also I have felt this way before baby, but now its not about me, thanks for your response.
2 people like this
@deeds14 (815)
• United States
27 Oct 06
I, too, have suffered from social anxiety. I've felt afraid of people and overwhelmingly self-conscious of what they think of me and how I'm acting. The only way I was able to overcome this is through therapy and medication. It's so helpful to go talk to someone and actually feel understood, and the meds help balance you out. There are tons of people who feel this way, but that's important is that you make a positive decision for your life and get help!
• Canada
27 Oct 06
for this I ask you who gives you meds? a therapist? or a doctor? is it appropreate for me to talk with a doctor about this? I'm on a low income an an unsteady family doctor.
2 people like this
• Canada
28 Oct 06
thanks a bunch I'll be looking into it!
2 people like this
@deeds14 (815)
• United States
28 Oct 06
Your doctor makes a referral for you to see a psychiatrist. It's different than a therapist, because only a psychiatrist can prescribe medications. There are ways to get mental health assistance even on a low income. There are many places where you can see a therapist intern for free or at a very reduced rate. When you go to the psychiatrist, ask to fill out a free medication form. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I've been through it all before, plus I have my social work degree. Best of luck!
2 people like this
• United States
20 Jan 07
i was the life of the party until i had kids and now im like always tired and stressed. i never have time to make friends and the only ones i can be friends with are the ones with kids and thats just annoying cuz i want to get away from the kids. so i hope this helps. its good to know you're not the only one. i guess you just have to wait till the kids grow up then you can play again.
1 person likes this
@lectricky (680)
• United States
27 Oct 06
I suffer from social anxiety and have done since an early age. Personally, I drink to make being around people more tolerable, but I don't recommend you do that! I think that being a new mom, you may be more sensitive to what you think people are thinking about you, or might feel awkward because this is a new situation for you. My advice is to take things slowly, don't force yourself into huge groups of people. Start off with very small groups of people and build yourself up at a pace that's comfortable for you. For example, have a play date with one or two other people instead of three or four.
• Canada
27 Oct 06
thanx it helps to know im not alone, but no matter how small the group I find myself uncomfortable, like it dosnt seem to be getting better, but i can't hide and have my kid a hermit like me. Do you think I should goto the extreem of medication??
2 people like this
• United States
19 Jan 07
give yourself a break , you're a new mother , it's a whole new world out of your comfort zone,you'll learn everything on your own little by little , and yes I had two kids and felt that I didn't want to see anyone or anyone see me
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jan 07
i was like that when i first had my baby. but then it hit me it is all about my baby so i got interested in my on rather than people but wherever a newborn go people follow so i let them come to me and thats how i opened up to people
1 person likes this
@mac1946 (1602)
• Calgary, Alberta
6 Feb 08
While I have not had any children,or wife,I cannot give any advise from that point of veiw,but as a sufferer of sever clinical depression,I may be able to help. go to your doctor and find out if this could be the problem,beleive me,this is one of the main troubles with depression is not being able to handle crowds,and to me,more than two is a crowd. but after being diagnosed with the depression,I am now on medication and do feel a lot better,but it will still be a long time before I get cumfortable to be in crowds,I am still like you,always the one in the corner by myself. I wish you the best of luck,if you ever feel like talking,I am at the Heritage flea market off the Blackfoot trail. take care.