Grief and Anxiety Flock Together
Grief can feel like a recipe for anxious thoughts. The fear of facing similar losses, the persistent reminders of uncertainties, and the raw ache of what was or might have been –these all are constant uneasy and overwhelming feelings.
Grief and anxiety are like two best friends, both inseparable and both influencing each other. You see, these emotions come knocking on our hearts, sometimes together, hand in hand, leaving us to navigate the waves of change they seem to bring.
The Unspoken Bond: Grief and Anxiety
When loss knocks on our door, the all too familiar anxiety often enters through the back, quietly settling in the spaces between our memories and the loss. It's not uncommon for anxiety to take center stage after the curtains of grief have fallen. Following a loss, it can feel like navigating life with uncertainty, creating a symphony of anxious thoughts. For some, this uncertainty comes with new routines, new traditions, and often shared grief with others.
Life's Stages:
Similar to life stages, grief and anxiety shape-shift, revealing new facets with each chapter. As we reach different milestones in life, we can be faced with reminders of grief and the anxiety associated with it. Each stage of life introduces set of joys and challenges, altering the way we handle the weight of our feelings. For some, this might look like reaching a milestone without their loved one. It's crucial to know that seeking support during any life stage can help anchor us navigate our grief and anxiety through each chapter.
Helpful Insights: Navigating Grief and Anxiety
1. Permission to Seek Support: Allow yourself the grace and compassion to feel both grief and anxiety. They’re emotions deserving acknowledgment and understanding; talking about your experiences with friends, family, or a compassionate professional can help you on your pathway to healing.
2. Mindfulness Practices: Decide which mindfulness practices you enjoy. There are lots of options! Perhaps you enjoy an artistic creative outlet such as cooking or maybe you enjoy being outdoors. Engage in mindfulness exercises to ground yourself in the present moment. Breathing exercises and meditation can be powerful tools in managing anxiety.
3. Honor Your Journey: Recognize that your path through grief and anxiety is uniquely yours. There's no "right" way to navigate these emotions, only the path that feels truly authentic to you.
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Grief and anxiety may walk alongside you, but so does resilience, strength, and the capacity for healing. As we navigate each chapter of life, we carry with us many facets of our journeys.
Sending warmth and understanding your way.
-Joelle Santiago DC, AMFT
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, please contact your local emergency services immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
