I’ve lost 4 members of my family (f-in-law, both parents and sibling) in the space of 2 years. I thought I was doing ok but just over a year on, I can now see I really am not. I’m also permenopausal and I’ve no idea which symptoms are what or what to do about it. My grief triggers are increasing, I’m getting frequent flashbacks, mood swings, lack of sleep, overwhelming guilt, racing thoughts, anxiety attacks, next to no motivation and brain fog beyond belief. I’m now facing a massive change at work which will remove my work based support network, and I’ve reached my limit. I’m struggling to put one foot in front of the other, don’t want to get up most days, and feel the mask I hide behind is falling. My usual coping strategies arent working and while I’ve reached out for bereavement counselling I just can’t see a way forward.
I’m so sorry for your losses, @Kerry73. Thank you for reaching out. I’m just giving your thread a gentle bump - I’m sure someone will have some thoughts to share.
Oh Kerry you have gone through so much. Losing my mum this year has floored me (& my dad has been gone a decade). I cannot imagine so many close losses in such a small space of time.
I think counselling could help you so I’m glad to see you have reached out for some.
I’m not coping & I was told there’s a 5 month wait list for counselling in my area.
Your gp should be able to help on the perimenopause but yes I think many of the symptoms can also be like those of grief ( anxiety, sleep issues, moods, crying, body pains).
On the work front can you talk to HR about the changes & how they are impacting you?
Hi Anna, my manager is aware but whilst i know i should speak up further I feel that raw and exposed I don’t feel capable of discussing it with anyone (outside of this platform where its anonymous) without breaking down even more. I just don’t have the energy. I saw my gp and we have a plan in place, which will she feels will relieve some of the symptoms if it is perimenopause too. Hopefully you’re not waiting as long as they’ve indicated for counselling. Im not sure what the wait is here, but the service the gp usually signposts too is no longer available.
I believe it’s a combination, not one specific thing. I lost my partner suddenly and unexpectedly nearly 2 years ago. I felt and have feel everything you have put down. HRT had helped with some things, like anxiety, sweats etc but the grief brain is real. You’ve had a lot to cope with. Take a day at a time and deal with one thing at a time. This to will pass.
You could write it in an email to your manager &/or HR noting that you’ve had to write it rather than say it for fear of breaking down at work?