Dealing With Anxiety After a Loss

Worry and anxiety can develop after a major loss. Anxiety involves ongoing feelings of worry, tension, restlessness, or uneasiness that can be hard to control. You may find yourself worrying excessively about several areas of your life, even when there’s no clear reason to.

Anxiety can cause physical and emotional symptoms, such as muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, trouble concentrating, or trouble sleeping. Some people also notice digestive discomfort, such as nausea or an upset stomach, when they feel anxious.

When worries and anxiety start to feel constant or overwhelming, it can seem like everything is falling apart at once. Try to slow down and focus on one thing at a time. If your anxiety feels hard to manage, reach out for help from someone you trust, your doctor, or a counselor. Talking about your feelings and getting support can make a real difference.

Managing anxiety after a loss

Here are some things you can do to help manage your worry and anxiety after a loss.

• Express your feelings. Talk or write about the things that are bothering you. Finding words for your feelings might provide some relief.
• Try to keep a routine. Keeping a simple daily routine or setting small, manageable goals may help reduce anxiety and restore a sense of stability.
• Accept help. Let other people do some things for you that you would normally do yourself. This may be hard. If worries and concerns are keeping you from taking care of personal needs and other responsibilities, ask for help from others. Letting others help you also helps them because it gives them a chance to show their care and concern for you.
• Ask for comfort. You may need help until you feel less anxious and worried. You may want someone to stay with you. This is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign that you are aware of your need and you are taking good care of yourself.
• Talk with a counselor. You may want to talk with your doctor or a counselor if your worries and anxieties are keeping you from doing daily activities. Counseling, medicine, or a combination of the two may help you manage anxiety that is making it hard for you to function.