Do I have general anxiety disorder?

Hi Laura,

I had similar problems 3 yrs ago,lost my mum,dad and cousin to cancer,I'm 64 but age is no barrier to the severe trauma of bereavement and your symptoms are as a result of holding it all back,bit like a dam really,too much weight and it bursts.

But I responded very much the same,I actually did the eulogy for dad and the church was packed,after my talk had ended I did break down,but not for long.

Since then I think I have suffered from a breakdown,I've been anxious most of my life but this was too much,then I lost my job due to knee replacements,not worked for two years recovering,but that has helped me mentally.

For you it is still quite fresh,it is no good people saying 'I know how you feel',because they don't know exactly your feelings and emotions and their effect on you.

It is a grieving process which could take a long time and the first thing to do is see a doctor,explain your feelings precisely,and let them help,they're the professionals and you will almost certainly get counselling and probably medication.

I feel for you,it is a terrible time for you,but just take each day at a time for now,time is the great healer,and if you can't bear being around people then find some quiet and make time to reflect,I no longer think of my folks and relatives being dead,just away,my memories do not fade,neither will yours.

Regards and my sympathies!

Malc

Hey Laura, I'm so sorry for your losses.

I didn't greave when my nan died, still haven't and that's where my panic and anxiety disorders and depression stemmed from.

What you've described sounds like depression and anxiety.

Like Malc said, I would go see a doctor as soon as you can because it's only going to get worse.

Also try grievance therapy. It will help you understand why you feel the way you do even more, I'm looking to go to one and my nan died 8 years ago but they can still help, even after such a long time.

I went through a 6 month 'blank' as I like to call it, where I lost 3 stone in weight, withdrew into myself, became very antisocial and to be honest I don't remember a whole lot more about it, it's like my body turned on auto pilot and went from there. The only reason I snapped out of it was because my manager said my temper towards my colleagues was very short and id snap at them for no reason, this made me take a step back and see how I interacted with people and I was shocked at myself, not only that but people didn't want to speak to me anymore, I made a lot of apologies and that was when I finally set my mind on recovery and took back control.

Help is there if you ask the right people.

Best wishes.

Danielle x

Hi Laura, firstly I am sorry for your losses, let me say you are not alone by a long shot. Do not feel you are isolated in this as many here and everywhere have walked this path too.

Rather than beating around the bush let me know these two things?

Have you sought any treatment?

Do you have support in your friends and family?

Hi Laura, I also feel the same, my dad died very suddenly 8 years ago, I just couldn't cry! We were a very close family and as an only child was very close to my parents, then went on to lose a very dear aunt and this year my mother-in-law, it has been very sad and I feel as you say numb, but with all the anxiety symptoms, but still no tears.