Anxiety after losing my parents.

[biggboi]

Hi Im 35 years old and my have suffered from anxiety for about 12 years. My mother also suffered from anxiety when I was younger. It was to the point that she had'nt left home for over 2 years but she came out it. I was doing better until about 4 years ago my mom was diagnosed with cancer and she passed May of last year. I fought my way through the anxiety of losing my mom, I needed to for the rest of my family. Ive been really anxious but I fought through it. Well last month my father died suddenly in his room we lived together. Now my anxiety is at an all time high, I feel like Im always having a heart attack and this is driving me crazy. I dont want to depend on medication, I really need to get over this. Any one can offer any help I would appreciate it.

[TaraE]

I am so sorry that you lost both your parents at such a young age.  I can't imagine.  My own panic attacks started after losing my dad almost 3 years ago to 0119.  I haven't been the same since.  Horrible panic attacks, and an overbearing fear that I have the same disease that he had and that I will also die that way.  It has taken over my life.  I am afraid to do ANYTHING, I don't even want to leave the house.  I am bound to lose my job soon if I don't get a grip.  I also am afraid of medications but I think they are the only way I may be able to deal.  Feel free to message me anytime... I'm here to listen.
Tara

[marc]

Welcome to anxiety zone. I am extremely sorry that you have lost both of your parents. I wish there
was something I could say or do to make you feel better. What you have been through would make anyone suffer
from anxiety. I would try to talk with friends, clergy, other family members, therapy, etc. to try to help you
get through this very difficult time. No one can ever replace your parents, but you will always have good memories of
them and this will help you overcome your issues over time. I would take whatever steps are necessary to get through
this difficult time and try to get your life back on track.

[Slangevar]

I've had HA since I was a kid, but it definitely got worse after my dad died of cancer. I've heard similar stories from people on this board, so you're not alone.

(Btw, I lost my dad when I was in my early 30s, so it's not that uncommon.)

[Wornoutworrier]

So sorry for the loss of both your parents.  Please don't feel like medications are something to avoid.  I used to think that and would try to get off the medication I was on as soon as I felt improvement because I didn't want the stigma.  Now I realize that for me, I'll probably never be able to stop taking an SSRI.  When I do, I will feel good for a short time then it starts all over again.  The cycles of anxiety get worse and seem to come more often.  I kept doing it for years until I realized it was just better to stay even than the wild swings.  I wish I could say we can be cured but I've been trying for 13 years and just manage to keep functioning some times.  It's just nice to know others suffer the same things and understand.

[TaraE]

Why won't my word show up of how my dad died?  He died by his own hand, and that word, 0119, gets bleeped out ???

[Nina000]

For one, I am so sorry for your loss of your parents. That is devastating and it will take time to heal. There is no miracle cure for anxiety. If there was we wouldn't be on the forums. The best way to help yourself is to get help. Even if you do not want to take medication you must seek mental therapy. Three different types of individuals who can help are Therapists, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists. If you do not want to take medication, do not chose Psychiatrists. They are prone to push medications for help along with therapy. There are many people who specialize in grieving along with health anxiety. It is common for individuals to produce health anxiety after a death or multiple deaths even serious tragedies that are associated with health. It is important to get help for yourself even though you do have people who look up to you. Doctors need doctors too right? There is always help out there for people who are willing to look for it. You cannot help others if you do not have a solid foundation for yourself. Your friends, family, and children can see the anguish even if you try to hide it. Now is the time to look for help for yourself. Helping yourself gives your family help as well. There is a long road ahead of you but there are plenty of people who will walk with you.

[biggboi]

Thank you to everyone for the responses and I truly appreciate you all. This is a long haul but I have to make it. Anxiety has been a large burden but thanks to my fellow humans and God I do believe I'll make it. Thank you all again. Oh and I will be in touch.