When you grow up to be an adult, you may think that your parents are superhumans who can do everything. However, when we enter actual adulthood, reality becomes even more real and parents are just ordinary people, just like us.
“This COVID-19 pandemic has caused anxiety for many people, including your parents. This condition may take over their minds and it is natural to experience stress for a long time,” said psychiatrist dr. Tiago Reis Marques quoted by Bustle , Friday (10/29/21).
Anxiety disorders that appear in parents often include mental and physical symptoms. These things can affect the lives of those around them, including you, their children.
“In some people, anxiety is permanent and begins to interfere with daily life. What’s more, children are like sponges, so anxious behavior can be learned and transmitted,” says Tiago.
You may also begin to realize the importance of mental health and realize that your parents may have their own anxieties that they never directly expressed.
So, understanding the signs becomes one of the important things. Here are some of them.
1. Overprotective
“Overprotective is a major sign that parents are experiencing anxiety. They may actually follow you or call you constantly to make sure you’re okay,” says psychiatrist and medical director of the Center for Network Therapy, dr. Indra Cidambi.
Parents may also always try to prevent you from making personal decisions to avoid failure. This one behavior often occurs and is an attempt by parents to prevent their anxiety.
“This may be disturbing and can have long-term implications on your mental health. Also, when the harsh reality hits, children may find it harder to adapt and function optimally,” says Indra.
2. Setting
Indra explained that one of the signs of anxiety that parents have is that they are constantly controlling or controlling. Making choices on behalf of the child or not letting the child make mistakes can be a way for parents to avoid anxiety.
“This includes your parents maybe trying to dictate what activities you participate in, deciding who you should spend time with, even trying to manage the things you do at home or work,” Indra says.
Controlling this kind of behavior can be very dangerous. This can hinder your independence, strain relationships, and make you feel unhappy into adulthood.
3. Physical symptoms
Anxiety can also appear in the body. When feeling anxious, humans are in fight or flight mode. So there are automatic responses that appear in the body when taking action.
“Symptoms such as shaking, sweating, difficulty breathing, muscle tension, pain, rash, or fever. These can all be signs of anxiety and can be major clues that a parent is dealing with the condition.
Lack of sleep can also be another symptom. So if parents often complain that they don’t get enough rest or seem very tired, it could also be a sign that they are feeling anxious. To interfere with the quality of their sleep.