How to deal with increased anxiety and panic attacks after death of loved one?
My stepdad died yesterday after a short illness. We knew he was ill with his other chronic illnesses but didn't think he was at death's door so we are all shocked.
I'm staying with my mum for the next few weeks to help her through it and I have to make sure I am stable enough. My panic attacks, obsessions/compulsions and general anxiety have been sky high lately even before this and now I'm worried this is going to push me over the edge which I can't let happen as I need to be there for mum.
Do any of you have any experience of dealing with grief with existing anxiety issues? What helped? Also do you have any tips on how to sleep? Haven't slept since we got the news yesterday afternoon and I feel mentally and physically exhausted but can't drop off. My mind is going a million miles an hour :(
Just any advice to both take care of myself and especially my mum would be great
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C-PTSD (Complex Trauma), OCD, Panic Disorder, GAD
"Save your sympathy for someone else. I don't need it or want it. What you call a panic attack is merely a few normal chemicals that are temporarily out of place in my brain. It is of no significance whatsoever to me!"
"Recovery always lies ahead - however painful the moment"
"Recovery lies in the places and experiences you avoid"
Dr Claire Weekes.