Navigating Anxiety After Baby Loss: A Personal Journey (21)
As a certified life coach and mother who has experienced stillbirth loss, I often find myself teaching others how to cope with grief and anxiety. But recently, I was reminded that even coaches need to practice what they preach.
It hit me out of nowhere. After a productive weekend with my husband, I suddenly felt overwhelmed with anxiety. The feeling was visceral - a deep, shivering sensation radiating from my core to my shoulders. Despite having a great day, I found myself in tears, unable to explain why.
This experience reminded me of how common anxiety is, especially for women who have experienced loss. When we feel out of control, anxiety often creeps in unexpectedly.
Here's how I worked through it using my HEAL method:
Hurt: I allowed myself to feel the emotions without judgment, even though I couldn't pinpoint the cause.
Empower: I reminded myself that I've overcome challenges before and that breakdowns often precede breakthroughs.
Accept: I acknowledged that anxiety is a normal part of life and doesn't mean I'm doing anything wrong.
Live: I practiced deep breathing and engaged in activities that helped me feel grounded.
Additionally, I found solace in:
Listening to a podcast on manifestation, which helped shift my perspective
Talking to my coach for an objective viewpoint
Connecting with my sister for support and exercise
It's important to remember that healing isn't always a quick fix. However, having tools and support can significantly reduce suffering. Within a couple of days, I felt my energy returning and the anxiety subsiding.
If you're experiencing anxiety, especially after baby loss, know that you're not alone. It's normal to have these feelings, and with the right tools and support, you can work through them. Remember, sometimes all it takes is hanging on for 24 hours to see a significant difference.
