Do I have general anxiety disorder?

[nh_user_272508]

I lost my grandmother and grandfather at the end of last year. Both within weeks of each other. Since then I have felt numb in a way, my friend then died a couple of months ago and I had no reaction. I feel I'm protecting myself I suppose. 

I now seem to be irritable all of the time. I have such a snappy temper and can cry for any reason. Everything is a big deal and I could argue that black is white. I can't concentrate at work and have trouble sleeping. It often takes me around 5 hours to drift off because my wind won't stop thinking, then off course I'm exhausted all day. 

I find it hard to socialise, making conversation with friends feels like such hard work when it used to be so easy. 

Ive noticed physical symptoms too, I've started getting dizzy and lightheaded, this happens around 5 or 6 times a day, I find this also CDs with a headache. I also feel lethargic, as if I'm all of a sudden lazy now! 

Please tell me there's something I can do. I feel like I'm morphing into a different person and I just want the old me back

Thank you, Laura x 

[nh_user_35153]

Hi Laura,

I had similar problems 3 yrs ago,lost my mum,dad and cousin to cancer,I'm 64 but age is no barrier to the severe trauma of bereavement and your symptoms are as a result of holding it all back,bit like a dam really,too much weight and it bursts.

But I responded very much the same,I actually did the eulogy for dad and the church was packed,after my talk had ended I did break down,but not for long.

Since then I think I have suffered from a breakdown,I've been anxious most of my life but this was too much,then I lost my job due to knee replacements,not worked for two years recovering,but that has helped me mentally.

For you it is still quite fresh,it is no good people saying 'I know how you feel',because they don't know exactly your feelings and emotions and their effect on you.

It is a grieving process which could take a long time and the first thing to do is see a doctor,explain your feelings precisely,and let them help,they're the professionals and you will almost certainly get counselling and probably medication.

I feel for you,it is a terrible time for you,but just take each day at a time for now,time is the great healer,and if you can't bear being around people then find some quiet and make time to reflect,I no longer think of my folks and relatives being dead,just away,my memories do not fade,neither will yours.

Regards and my sympathies!

Malc

[nh_user_133252]

Hey Laura, I'm so sorry for your losses.

I didn't greave when my nan died, still haven't and that's where my panic and anxiety disorders and depression stemmed from.

What you've described sounds like depression and anxiety.

Like Malc said, I would go see a doctor as soon as you can because it's only going to get worse.

Also try grievance therapy. It will help you understand why you feel the way you do even more, I'm looking to go to one and my nan died 8 years ago but they can still help, even after such a long time.

I went through a 6 month 'blank' as I like to call it, where I lost 3 stone in weight, withdrew into myself, became very antisocial and to be honest I don't remember a whole lot more about it, it's like my body turned on auto pilot and went from there. The only reason I snapped out of it was because my manager said my temper towards my colleagues was very short and id snap at them for no reason, this made me take a step back and see how I interacted with people and I was shocked at myself, not only that but people didn't want to speak to me anymore, I made a lot of apologies and that was when I finally set my mind on recovery and took back control.

Help is there if you ask the right people.

Best wishes.

Danielle x

[nh_user_44314]

Hi Laura, firstly I am sorry for your losses, let me say you are not alone by a long shot. Do not feel you are isolated in this as many here and everywhere have walked this path too.

Rather than beating around the bush let me know these two things?

Have you sought any treatment?

Do you have support in your friends and family?

[nh_user_251977]

Hi Laura, I also feel the same, my dad died very suddenly 8 years ago, I just couldn't cry! We were a very close family and as an only child was very close to my parents, then went on to lose a very dear aunt and this year my mother-in-law, it has been very sad and I feel as you say numb, but with all the anxiety symptoms, but still no tears.