Grief, GAD and Depression - it's hard to handle all three.

luvlife · Post by **luvlife** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:53 pm

Hi Everyone - My name is Judy and I am in the midst of dealing (trying) with grief along with the anxiety and the depression. I have had low depression since I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 15 yrs. ago. And before that when my father took his own life. In November, our handsome 18 year old grandson was killed in a tragic auto accident. After the shock wore off and reality set in,the GAD and panic attacks began. I got bronchitis in December and am still dealing with that as well. It has been a very long hard winter. Ethan was a popular senior in H.S., playing football, basketball and baseball - but not this year - he always wore a smile and we now have a hole in our hearts. I'm older than dirt and have dealt with a lot in my life, only by the Grace of God. If I didn't have Him in my life I wouldn't have made it.
Actually, now that I am ready for session 3, I have realized how negative I have been, especially since the FMS and then of course that "dreaded phone call".I'm really working on that. The tapes are good and the relaxtion tape helps a lot. I'm also into some self-help books, but this is all so very difficult. My mind just keep returning to the phone call. Any suggestions? Hugs ^j^

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 5:03 pm

I am sorry for the loss of your grandson. It's a tragic thing for a parent or grandparent to go through. May God give you peace about that phone call and replace that memory with memories of the best times in Ethan's life.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:33 am

Judy,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that all of us are wishing you better times ahead.

You are doing the right thing by working this course and reading books. It will help you heal much faster. A few things you can do right away that will help, cut back your caffeine and sugar intake. Also, get out doors and do something you like, get some exercise every day. What ever you are capable of doing exercise wise, do as much as you can. Keep praying and trusting in God. You are here for a reason.

Also, check out the book by Dale Carnage "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living". I read it (actually listened to the audio tapes) when I was having very bad GAD attack and it really helped me a lot. Especially the part about living in "day tight" compartments. Good luck to you.
God Bless you and Peace be with you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:00 am

Thanks to you who have given me encouragement - it means so very much. I actually went to a very short walk (stroll)

and enjoyed the sunny, warm weather and I am doing the wash today. I know that doesn't sound like much progress, but from where I have been it's a giant step..and Don, I am going to look for the book you mentioned, I know they help. Blessings - and God Bless!

Faith_TX · Post by **Faith_TX** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 2:27 am

Good Morning Judy.
I want you to know I know exactly where you are. Reading your story was like hearing someone tell mine. I lost my 16 yr old son in an ATV accident 18 months ago. So I understand the grief. I have FMS also & RA. So the anxiety makes all these worse. Its hard to get up and face a day without "our Boys" Judy, but we have to. Sometimes it is one breath at a time, but we can do it!
Know that this program will work. I am only in week 2 and I just have to have faith that God brought us all to this program for a reason.
Our minds deserve to have some peace. And if it takes re-programing the way our brain works, then bring it on!
Just wanted to send my heart out to you and let you know you are not alone
God Bless
Terri

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:37 pm

Oh, Terri, thank you so much for your words of encouragement ~ and I'm sorry if I opened up any of your wounds more. What would we do without our faith in our Lord Jesus? I wonder how others manage without His courage, strength and guidance and especially His love. Grief is a strange journey ~ one day I'm doing really well and the next I'm a basket case. But from all I've read, I am completely normal...was glad to read that

. My "I shoulds" were getting the best of me, but am glad I have the tapes to help. Again, thank you. May God bless you and continue to give you strength and peace.

"When He brings you to it ~ He'll bring you through it."