So much anxiety

Sooo about a week and a half ago I almost lost my dad. He was life flighted due to his kidney failing, but also has a lot of underlying health issues. Miraculously he pulled through after nearly a week in the ICU but should be coming home from a rehab facility in about a week.. however, his platelets are still low and other ongoing issues.. My anxiety is out of control and I don't know what to do. I feel so lost.

I live 4 hours away from my hometown where he resides with my brother and his family, but was with him the entire time he was in the ICU. I can't shake the feeling of something going terribly wrong and not being able to get to him in time.

I can't lose him. I lost my mom going on 6 years ago in February and I just can't lose him. I'm a grown woman but I will always need my daddy.

Prayers going up for you that it's not your dad's time and that you can get your anxiety under control.

It’s hard
Have you tried mindfulness meditation?
I use youtube Michael Sealy
I forget the name of the video but it’s something about overthinking
Very soothing

Hi JRF,

I am so sorry to hear about your dad's health scare, and the natural effect it has had on you. You had to be really strong the whole time your dad was in the hospital, and there was a lot of uncertainty that you were dealing with, not knowing if he would recover.

Therefore the way you are feeling is absolutely normal. As people with anxiety, we sometimes forget that feeling anxious is an appropriate response to situations like the one you are facing! We tend to want to make it go away, when in fact, it is just part of our human condition that does actually serve a purpose.

Of course when anxiety takes over our ability to function and robs us of our quality of life, then of course we need to work to find solutions...

...but in a situational/temporary circumstance such as with a sick loved one, some time may be all you need. Hopefully now that the crisis is starting to calm down, so will your anxiety. You will probably find in the coming week or two, that you will feel comfortable with daily check in with your dad/brother to know that he is recovering well...and give you peace of mind.

Wishing your whole family well. Keep us updated and we will keep you in support.

S.C.