Grief-related anxiety support and tips?

[Michelle M]

I lost my mother to cancer more than a year ago. I am a 25 year old woman, who moved back home four years ago after my mom's diagnosis to help support my family. Now, a year after her death, I feel lost and broken and unsure about what to do with my life. I've had experiences with anxiety in the past but very infrequently, until this last year when it seems my mental health has unraveled. I know grief is the reason for my constant panic attacks, high anxiety, and low moments. I also have periods where I have no desire to leave my bed/home and cannot focus, concentrate, or eat. 

Wondering if anyone else out there has had similar experiences of mental health struggles after a significant loss, and what strategies helped? It's so challenging to re-launch yourself into the world after a loss, and compounding that with anxiety is making it difficult for me to establish a routine in my life. Am unsure whether to jump to medications right away. Thanks in advance. 

[Kayla Vai]

Hi Michelle,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My husband, best friend of 25 years passed away 3 months ago. I have a history of depression anxiety which has escalated to the next level since losing my husband. I'm currently on medication which has helped a little bit.I still have anxiety but not as bad as it was 2 months ago. I know it's horrible scary when you over think things. I'm anxious and scared all the time about me and my kids future without my husband. I hope this has helped, you are not alone. I just live day by day, in the present not the past and I try not to think about tomorrow. Lots of love, Kayla.

[Camille Moncrieffe]

I am so sorry for your loss. I really cannot provide you with answers cause I'm experiencing the very same thing. I buried my mom last Sunday after a terrible battle with cancer. I am so lost right now, at times i feel like I have no reason to go on but i have an eight year old daughter who needs me to be strong and hang in there for her.