Mommin’ with anxiety is no joke.

Moms are supposed to protect their cubs and have it all (or mostly) all together. We’re driving cross country, scheduling doctors’ appointments, buying the birthday presents, and cutting the sandwich crusts.

We’re handling logistics and physicals and routine maintenance, and once you add in sports, holidays, and even the occasional playdate, we’re exhausted and second-guessing and stretched to the point of losing our ever-loving minds.

But what about those of us already wounded in the trenches who’ve been medically diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder?

How do we get past the what-ifs of adventuring out with our precious babes into this big, overwhelming world?

RELATED: Being a Mom With Anxiety is the Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Done

Encouragement and truth and prayers and . . . 

Hand sanitizer. Yes, you’ll notice I’m carrying my full-size bottle wherever we go. It helps me feel like I’m protecting my pack the best I can.

Exits. Yes, you bet I’m scoping out the crowds for threats and finding the quickest routes out of the building in case of emergency. It helps me feel like I’m prepared and protective.

Phone-a-friend. Or text him. I keep my phone handy at all times to check in with my hubby on when and where I’m coming or going. It helps me feel like I’m not alone.

And that’s the thing, friend. You’re not alone.

RELATED: Her Secret? She’s Lonely, Too.

I take medication and share my struggles and ask God for help, but I still have moments when I feel like I’m on the cliff’s edge of impending doom.

So I have to remind myself what is real and what isn’t and take comfort in knowing I’m not facing the day-to-day battle by myself.

And you’re not either.

And we need to get out and show our kids this world and meet new friends and enjoy.

Keep connecting. Keep checking on each other. Keep caring. Keep having my back, and I’ll keep having yours.

Keep reaching out and keep making plans and keep insisting we get together and catch up.

We need to catch up. 

And I’ll take my hand sanitizer and my courage, and I’ll see you there. 

 

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Jaclyn Warren

Stay-at-home mommy of four on mission to encourage parents to savor the meaningful in the midst of the messy. Take your 15 minutes; it’s your turn for timeout. You can find her at www.mommys15minutes.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Mommys15Minutes-543229312706302/.

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