Feelings of worry are a totally normal part of grief. You may be feeling more worried than normal about something in particular, like upcoming exams or life changes, or you may be feeling worried about anything and everything. You're not alone.
Read on to find out more about why you could be feeling worried, and discover some ways to cope with your emotions.
We understand that when someone important to you dies, your world feels unstable, making the future look uncertain. Instability and uncertainty can cause feelings of worry. Grief is a reminder that things change, often out of your control, and this can prompt you to worry about future changes, unexpected happenings, and experiencing the death of someone else.
Let's explore a few reasons behind this heightened state of worry:
You might feel a need for control
By constantly worrying about future events, you might be trying to predict and control them, which can be exhausting. After someone important to you has died, you can become hyper aware that things might go wrong, and worrying about any possible outcome can feel like a way of controlling the uncontrollable. The need for stability in your life can feel stronger than ever before and this may feed into your overthinking and worrying.
This may be your first experience of someone dying
Experiencing the death of someone important at a young age means you’re facing something you’ve probably not thought about much before. With experience, people develop resilience, which helps you to learn that you can overcome obstacles. But when facing something for the first time, it’s easy to worry about whether you can handle it or not, or how long the difficult feelings will last.
You might be feeling emotionally drained
When you're grieving, as well as experiencing heightened emotions, you may also struggle with day-to-day things like sleep and eating properly. Lack of sleep or not eating enough of the right foods can lead to feeling physically and emotionally drained and struggling to concentrate. You might become more forgetful or start to feel disconnected from what everyone else is doing and these things can also contribute to feelings of worry.
Try not to worry about feeling worried... it’s important to remember that feelings of worry, though sometimes overwhelming, are natural and manageable. Here are a few ways to handle them:
Worry is a complex emotion, often interwoven with grief and loss. Understanding the root of your feelings can be the key to managing them better.
Remember, every stage of life comes with its challenges, but each challenge also brings growth and new opportunities. By seeking support, staying grounded in the present, and embracing life's unpredictability, you can navigate the future with resilience. You are not alone in this journey, and there is strength in seeking help and understanding.
Bereavement support tips for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Tap the live chat button or scroll down to find ways to contact Winston's Wish for further support.
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Feelings of worry are very normal when you're grieving. Read on to discover some ways to manage these feelings.
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