Anyone not have children by choice and experience internal and external guilt?
I (40F) and my husband (51M) do not have any children by choice. We both earn good livings and we have a nice house and are very comfortable. We run a business as well and have two cats and several nieces and nephews of varying ages.
I have an anxiety disorder and figured, "You know what, I'm definitely not putting my body through the havoc of post pregnancy hormones if I'm this bad with no baby. During my episodes, I can't focus on anyone but myself and I couldn't imagine having to look after a child."
I constantly get guilt trips from my parents for not having kids (even though i technically still "can"). It makes me feel worse and I sometimes struggle on my anxious days about if I made the right choice, is that why my life feels so empty sometimes--or is just the mental illness?
Anyone else relate? I'm very close to my parents but this feeling of guilt for being childless sometimes weighs on me for long periods. Still, I could not fathom having to get up in the morning and take care of a child day in and day out.