I am feeling the lowest I ever have felt in my life.
My dad died at home two weeks ago.
Hello Pepe - I just read this post.
I’m so sorry for everything you’ve been through. Losing a parent is absolutely awful even when they go peacefully - the fact that your Dad died in a traumatic way just adds to it.
Reading your post I’m struck by how much you have on your plate right now, and how you’re spiralling thinking about everything that needs to be “fixed”right now.
I would suggest taking a step back, taking a deep breath, and breaking all of these “tasks/problems” in to individual chunks. If you think about everything all in one go, it is simply too overwhelming to handle.
My advice to you would be
- focus on small daily self care that will help you feel better physically (which will, in turn, help your emotional state). Sleep, regular meals, and getting outside for a walk in the fresh air every day will help you get your basic health on track - which means you’ll be strong enough to start tackling these issues.
- try to resist drinking and taking Valium right now. It may provide some short term escape, but it’s creating more problems that it fixes)
- write down everything you need to work on. You have time to sort out probate etc. it doesn’t all need to be fixed now. Your Dad has only just died. When you are feeling strong enough - speak to the Citizens Advice Bureau for support (and avoid the internet forums, which are notorious for heightening stress and anxiety).
- consider writing down how you’re feeling in a diary, for your eyes only. Even if you hate doing it - getting the thoughts down on paper can be so helpful, rather than having them swirl around in your head on a loop
- for the same reason, find someone in the real world you can talk to. Share how you’re feeling. Cry on their shoulder (with coffee, not booze!). Let other people support you.
- post on NextDoor to try and find your cat. And don’t worry - they usually come back! They’re very sensitive to stress in the house.
- consider going to the GP to see if they can help with your emotional support. You are feeling suicidal and you need to tell someone that. Ask to be referred for free bereavement counselling. I did it after my mum died and it was so helpful. I have friends who didn’t do it when they lost parents and they are still suffering years later as a result, because they never processed things at the time
- look for healthy distractions right now. Is there a TV show you can binge watch and lose yourself in? Or a game on your phone? Small distractions can really help at low times
I am sending you loads of love and good wishes. Take it one day at a time
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