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Is anxiety and cognitive fuzziness part of loss?

Posted by cece55 @cece55, Jul 3 8:30am

Hello Group,

I have a question. My husband has been gone for a little over three months. I find myself constantly anxious and cognitively fuzzy and not thinking as clearly as usual. It's a very strange feeling.

I try to get out and walk or distract myself when the anxiety sets it. Is this typical for grief?

Blessings,

CeCe55

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bluesky221 | @bluesky221 | 4 days ago

I lost my husband a little over 2 months ago, and I feel the same way. My brain is foggy, heavy, and thoughts move slowly. It's a chore to do or plan anything. I misplace things and can't find them later. Lately I was starting to worry that maybe it's the first signs of a brain problem. So it's comforting to know that others have similar symptoms, and that it's a natural part of the grieving process.
Sometimes I get an overwhelming feeling of fear and panic, but I know this is also part of the process. Doing breathing exercises helps me get through those dark moments.
I've been reading a book that has helped me understand the neurological components of grief and the grieving process. It's called The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor. It doesn't stop the pain, but at least I can now understand why I feel this way.
Wishing you strength and peace during this overwhelmingly painful journey.

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catherine55 | @catherine55 | 3 days ago
In reply to @bluesky221 "I lost my husband a little over 2 months ago, and I feel the same way...." + (show)
Profile picture for bluesky221 @bluesky221

I lost my husband a little over 2 months ago, and I feel the same way. My brain is foggy, heavy, and thoughts move slowly. It's a chore to do or plan anything. I misplace things and can't find them later. Lately I was starting to worry that maybe it's the first signs of a brain problem. So it's comforting to know that others have similar symptoms, and that it's a natural part of the grieving process.
Sometimes I get an overwhelming feeling of fear and panic, but I know this is also part of the process. Doing breathing exercises helps me get through those dark moments.
I've been reading a book that has helped me understand the neurological components of grief and the grieving process. It's called The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor. It doesn't stop the pain, but at least I can now understand why I feel this way.
Wishing you strength and peace during this overwhelmingly painful journey.

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@bluesky221 I understand completely my husband died 3 months ago. I get so confused, I don't remember what I ate the night before. These past three months have been so miserable and lonely. The anxiety is horrific.

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | 1 day ago
In reply to @lbrockme "As a Chaplain , I do see people dealing with this a lot. It is a..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lynne Marie @lbrockme

As a Chaplain , I do see people dealing with this a lot. It is a normal response to a difficult situation.
Our brains are created to help protect us, so when emotions , such as grief and loss , are high , our cognitive side does not function as well. As we process through the grief and use our cognition, it does improve.
Do you have someone you trust that you can talk to about your loss and grief? A faith leader, or pastor, or even a social worker or therapist?
A chaplain at a local hospital or a grief group can be helpful as well. Most hospital social work teams have information on all of those for your area. Many churches have grief groups as well. Consider reaching out. The support csn be helpful.
Praying for you

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@lbrockme Yes, I do! Thank you for your concern!

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diverdown1 | @diverdown1 | 1 day ago

I am so sorry for your loss. It is brutal losing a life partner, well anyone we love. There is no time limit on grief. There is no specific way to grieve. Yes, I experienced anxiety and brain fog when I lost my life partner. I still, after 2 1/2 years experience grief. I do not believe in "closure." I think that the pain of losing someone so close lasts while I am still on this earth, it just gets a little easier to handle as time goes on. Hang in there and thank you for sharing that.

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