I, personally, have found that grief and the anxiety that goes with it, tends to come in waves. The waves are big at first and close together. Sometimes they will feel as through they are nonstop and dragging you under. But, in time, the waves get smaller and farther apart. I don't know if they ever stop. For me they haven't. I just do my best to make room for them and ride the surf...

Yes, a "spike" describes those smaller breakthrough moments of anxiety I experience despite being in overall awareness of what's going on. They're different from full on panic attacks. I get them during the day sometimes at work. I guess, to switch analogies, they're like tremors vs. full earthquakes to me. I pay attention to them as you're doing, and take appropriate measures, just treat the symptoms. One of them is that near-nausea you mention, so I'll take Pepto Bismol, for example.

But taking appropriate measures usually means I don't have to take a sick day. It usually means I can accommodate it with appropriate respect but without having it take over my day. On the other hand, I'm not in denial about it so it doesn't grow into a bigger problem day by day. When I get home I meditate or make sure I journal about it. Hope it's that way for you, too.

Tell me about it... Last night I slept with the window's open and awoke to a full blown anxiety attack at hearing a train, which I mistook for a roller coaster (long story...I normally like the sound of trains, I hope this doesn't become a new norm...ugg) Close window, white noise, tea, go watch my kids sleep, blah, blah, blah...

@Muji, I never thought of Pepto Bismol....that sounds like a great idea! I'm going to have to get some of that and try it. Thanks

Oh and I dreamt that I was kissing a childhood (as in preschool) friend...another ugg. Beyond, beyond strange.