Hiya,
Sorry to hear about your loss. I can imagine that would send anxiety through the roof.
I want to say good on you for sharing. It's the first step. It feels hard opening up, but it's better than closing down. Give yourself a hug for sharing. Celebrate that; it's huge!
It is definitely takes practice, and I don't always get it, but I try to "unhook" from the thought and then distract myself by finding easy tasks to complete and tick off a list. I think everyone is different as to what distracts, my friend suggested reading non fiction but it doesn't seem to help, I just move my eyes across the page while still thinking the anxious thoughts! I find moving my body works best, like taking a walk, cleaning, gardening, cooking.
Another thing that has helped is to know that you are not your mind. It is a weird thing, but I think of my mind like a toddler. Sometimes it needs a cuddle and sometimes it needs to be ignored.
There are lots of things like this that you can do to help with day-to-day functioning. I recommend reaching out to your GP and getting some therapy to help process the trauma you're experiencing. I left things unchecked for years and it just bubbled underneath.
Hugs to you, do something special for yourself today like a special cup of tea or something. Treat yourself for taking the first step 🙂
