I am so sorry for your loss. Anxiety and panic attacks can come from a sudden loss or a traumatic event. That is what I experienced earlier this year and I am just now getting back to normal. I sought the help of a therapist who taught me relaxation techniques like breathing. My regular doctor prescribed xanax which helped greatly, and I didn't get addicted to it. After my mom died, it took me about a year to get back to normal and cherish all the good times we had together when she was here. Time is a great healer.

if you can avoid the meds, then try to avoid them, but if yu are really struggling, then theres nothing wrong with taking them, just try a low strength, ask your doctor about mild anti derpressants which may hel[p, im on some myself and imjust starting to come off them after 7months, ive found them good with hardly any side affects and not addictive, they just help me sleep better than i did before, but the most important thing you can do i believe is see a bereavment counsellor, my mother died yrs ago and i found counselling has worked best for me it may be good for you too, other than that, just come on here asmuch as you can and we'll give you support and help you through your darkest days, good luck
and god bless you, were here if you need us
xx

I take meds for anxiety. It is not that expensive, and my doctor monitors my dose. I take Xanax when I need it. I quit meds for a while, because I wanted to get preg. Now I am on them again.

Hi,

You have clibmed the first steps to overcoming your anxiety. Asking for help and knowing what situation may have caused it.

I reacted badly to all meds offerred to me, so I found myself a good psychotherpist. I'm doing CBT now and it's helped me find reasons that may have caused my anxiety and teaches me ways to change my emotional responses to certain negative though patterns.

Most good therapists will work on a personalised program and look at the bereavement aspects alongside the anxiety. It's a hard road to travel sometimes and will be emotional but most of us can unlearn the reasons why we feel anxious about certain situations.

Hope this helps in some way.

Stu

thank you for the responses I received. I do go to grief counceling and take xanex occasionally. I guess its the holidays that is making it worse.

My heart goes out to you. For me, the only relief from anxiety attacks is to go outside and breathe in the fresh air, even taking a walk around the house helps. But , if I were you I would not hesitate to take the Xanax. It will help. Know that time is the only healer in this situation. Take it one day at a time. Good luck.