Anxiety and Experiencing Loss

I have experienced anxiety and loss. It's been about five years since the loss of my father, and this year, I've been reminded that grief takes its own route and doesn't operate on a schedule -- particularly with regard to anxiety and loss.

Not only have I experienced grieving in relation to his passing, but for a long time, I experienced anxiety when I thought of it and the events surrounding it. The anxiety was related to both the loss itself and things that happened during that time, people I had interacted with, and coping with the grief of my family as well.

Recently, people in my life have experienced losses in their own lives. This has triggered, for me, memories of my own losses and resulting anxiety.

What It Feels Like When I Experience Loss and Anxiety

I was present during my father's passing, so for a long time afterward, I experienced anxiety in relation to this memory. I often experienced sleepless nights, not having an appetite, shortness of breath, and a fast heartbeat. I also found that I would feel anxious when I talked to family members following his death.

The process of grieving was difficult and, I believe, is still not complete. I still occasionally experience anxiety when my thoughts are flooded with memories of that time. Additionally, I've experienced other losses and additional anxiety since then.

How I've Coped with Anxiety and Loss

I don't think coping with the anxiety that I experience in relation to loss is a simple process. There have been other situations in my life that have resulted in higher levels of anxiety, but I don't feel the anxiety associated with grief ever really goes away. I don't feel like it can be coped with in the same way as I would with other situations. If anything, I feel like I've had to learn how to live with it. I think coping, for me, has varied quite a bit. I've focused on resilience and being able to bounce back after I've experienced those difficult emotions that I know will pass with time.

Resilience, for me, has included exercise, eating well, and focusing on those people in my life with whom I'm closest. I've learned that taking care of myself is sometimes the best thing I can do for myself and those in my life as I wait for the time to pass and to feel better.

If there are things you do to cope with loss and anxiety, share the strategies in the comments below.