Lost my mum a month ago - Anxiety

Hi,  My mum lost her short fight with breast cancer which had then spread to her lungs, liver and brain a month ago.

 

The first few weeks I was fine - I think it was a relief that she was out of her pain and discomfort for that part I felt ok, however now a month later I am experiencing extreme anxiety, I was an anxious person before but now its on a new level, Im having panic attacks where I cannot breathe and feel light headed and like I am going to faint - is this a part of grieving? If so how long will it last - has anyone else experienced this?

 

Charlotte x

  • Oh I am so sorry to hear that your mum passed away a month ago. I do remember your posts on the forum very well and what a lovely caring daughter you are. Our sincere condolences from the Cancer Chat team.

    Our page on Coping with Grief may help you understand the complex feelings involved in the grieving process. Perhaps you should mention this to your doctor who may have some suggestions on how to deal with these debilitating panic attacks? 

    Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 if you want to talk to them - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

    I hope you will talk to others here who have suffered similar feelings of intense anxiety following the loss of a loved one and sometimes it can really help to share these feelings with others who can truly understand what you are going through.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Charlotte I just wanted to say I am so sorry about your mum. I lost my dad two months ago so I know something about how you are feeling. I too suffer from anxiety and I have noticed that mine is worse than ever. I am finding that I am worrying about losing other people close to me to the point I don't want to let them out of my sight. Life feels scary now and losing a parent has been the hardest thing I have ever been through. I read a quote the other day that said, 'if you are depressed you are living in the past, if you are anxious you are living in the future and if you are at peace you are living in the now'. I have found this useful as its a reminder to live in the present and take each day as it comes. Unfortunately we are grieving so our emotions are all over the place and there are so many emotions to deal with, somedays I feel ok and that I am coping and others I don't. I have some tablets to take on 'bad days' which have really helped. If you are struggling maybe you should visit your GP? I am considering counselling too, and maybe this could help you too? I hope you feel better soon. Eliza xx