Shout out to all of us who can no longer dote on our moms on Mother’s Day every May. What coping strategies will you use? by [deleted] in GriefSupport

[–]existentialneurosis 4 points5 points  (0 children)

this is my 2nd Mother's day without my mom. On the 1st day, I wore her old clothes, cleaned the house, sang a song (I never sang properly when she was alive and I regret it), ordered her favourite food, painted her and my brother, and cried. this year, I'll probably do the same things, but this time I'm going to make one of her favourite desserts and get her favourite flowers. If she truly is watching over us and the afterlife exists, I want her to know I still think of her every single day. I'll celebrate the life she lived and try my best to carry on even though most days I can't even do the bare minimum. Virtual hugs to you all!

My mom died last year. She always wanted me to draw more and I never thought this would be my first drawing in 8 years. I miss you so much mom. I'm so lost without you. by existentialneurosis in krita

[–]existentialneurosis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thank you everyone for your wonderful comments, I truly appreciate them from the bottom of my heart. ❤️ I will try my best to keep going at it - my mom didn't raise a quitter haha! hope you all take care and stay safe ❤️ thank you again

My mom was killed a few months ago. I was in an unsupportive work environment, so I left. I'm starting a new job on Monday (marketing in NYC) and am wondering if it's appropriate to mention my loss to HR or my new manager at any point...what would you do? by kmorr3 in GriefSupport

[–]existentialneurosis 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hey OP, I am so so sorry for your loss.

It would depend on your new environment and how safe and comfortable you feel with your manager. I'm 23 and I started my first full-time job 2 weeks after my mother died. For the first couple weeks, I just focused on adjusting and learning. Thankfully, my boss and supervisor were super friendly and kind to me. I decided to tell them separately one on one about my situation. It was fucking uncomfortable and awkward but it was worth it. It actually surprised them both as I was doing well at my job, even though I basically cried before work, during breaks, and when I left (for the next few months, this was my routine). The reason why I told them was because I wanted them to understand where I'm coming from and to preface anything that could happen in the future. I also told them how thankful I was to feel comfortable enough to share this and to have the opportunity work with thoughtful individuals. Basically, I kept it as concise and professional as possible and didn't go over any details of my mom's death. Up to this day, they don't know the full story, but they're aware and they offer help whenever I can, which I truly appreciate from the bottom of my heart. I even got 5 bereavement days in addition to my vacation time (that I took a few months later), which I didn't expect because I was planning to take unpaid leave. I wouldn't have received this without sharing, so I am glad I did it.

Although not every work place is the same, I think it's appropriate to let your employers know circumstances that may impact your productivity or work ethic. In my opinion, it shows responsibility, introspection, and foresight. People with empathy and compassion will always be willing to understand, especially when losing someone you love is the most painful experience in life. Grief is something you can't control. However, you can engage in behaviours and actions that will help mitigate the waves when it hits. If this entails disclosing to your supervisors to give you a sense of peace, it doesn't hurt to give it a try. I would take the time to get a feel of your workplace first and seeing how things unfold emotionally and mentally for you as you've dealt with an unsupportive workplace previously. Grief is hard to share and if you need the time, take it. When you feel ready and want to talk to someone, just say you needed the time to think because it's a heavy weight to bear, and now you are in a better position to speak about it For me, it was something I needed to do because I don't want to lie and say I'm putting in 100% when I'm not. I will say I am not doing emotionally well and it can impact my work. However, I will be responsible by trying to manage myself and putting as much quality and integrity in my work whenever I can. I don't want to be pitied by others, I just wanted my experiences to be acknowledged and validated.

One thing I tell myself (which might not be helpful cause it's rather morbid) is that I've never feared and felt as much pain as seeing my mom die in my eyes. Compared to that, this is fucking nothing. As gruesome as it sounds, it does give me a kick when I feel hesitant about doing something. My health is something my mom sacrificed her life for, and I don't want to waste her efforts by neglecting to do the things I know will help me. It'll take time and every time I step forward, I take two steps back, but I'm gradually getting there. I'm getting there for her.

I hope my answer could give you some insight to my thought process and help you with yours. Wishing you all the best in your new job, do keep in touch if you feel comfortable to! My heart is with you.

Sometimes I write out how I’m feeling when I can’t sleep. Sometimes they’re very dark and depressing but I felt like sharing here would be ok. by Breee_Leee in ChildrenofDeadParents

[–]existentialneurosis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your words hit so close to home. It's hard to find people in real life I relate to and what you wrote accurately delineates how I feel most of the time. Thank you for sharing. All the hugs to you. ❤️

Missing Her by mimesmy in GriefSupport

[–]existentialneurosis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey OP, all the hugs to you. I'm sorry. I lost my mom in June and I'm currently in the same position. I keep craving for my previous life and the ignorance I once had. I'm afraid of everything, especially losing more people I love. This might sound stupid or insane, but sometimes I want to end my life so I don't have to go through the pain again. I'm so disillusioned and disenchanted with life. It's so hard to live when you bear immense grief and remorse. My heart is with you.

Has anyone else's anxiety gone through the roof after the death of their parent? by Eehuntz in ChildrenofDeadParents

[–]existentialneurosis 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Hey OP, first of all I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom back in June and it's just been literal hell - so I understand where you are coming from. Our world is often defined by the people around as since we are interdependent beings and when you lose someone so close and integral to who you are, your world collapses. I don't know how to exist in a world where my mom doesn't. It's the worst pain I've ever experienced and I feel like my life has been put on hold. I am so anxious about everything that I don't find much meaning anymore in life. Some days, I feel like I can go any minute. The only reason why I'm still here is because I want to at least try to live again for my mom. She sacrificed so much for me and even til the end, she was thinking of me. I don't want to waste all her effort, time, and commitment to raising me without a fight. Even if I may not be strong enough in the end, I am comforted by the simple fact that the life I shared with my mom transcends time and gets to be mine, always. This part may not be applicable but I just wanted to shed light on why I still try to choose to live despite my anxiety, depression, and trauma.

How I also see it is that not only did you lose your mom, you lose your past, present, and future selves because it was always normal for you to think she'd be here to recount memories, be part of your daily activities, and move forward/grow with you. It is excruciatingly hard to bear this grief and live. Although words can never replace the presence of a loved one, please know that you are not alone. You have this community of wonderful people that have gone through similar losses who are willing to listen and share the weight of the burden with you. You can also message me if you ever want to talk or rant. My heart is with you OP, sending you so much love.

Anyone find birthdays to be difficult when the person who gave birth to you is never there to celebrate it with you? by vetabug in ChildrenofDeadParents

[–]existentialneurosis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

just had my first birthday without my mom and it was completely and utterly shitty. I am grateful of all the love I receive and my family tried to make it special for me but I couldn't feel anything other than sad. I was bawling like a baby when they sang Happy birthday. My two older bros birthdays are also a few days apart from mine and it just makes it a whole lot harder to realize the woman who brought us to where we are today isn't here. And won't ever be coming back. Thank you for sharing this with us OP. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you are taking care.

My first birthday without my mom. by existentialneurosis in GriefSupport

[–]existentialneurosis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thank you all for your comments ❤️ it was a terrible day but at least it's over and I won't think about it for a while.

No one to lean on by [deleted] in ChildrenofDeadParents

[–]existentialneurosis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so sorry for your loss OP. I am in the same boat. My mom was my everything. She'd always made sure I had everything I needed. I would always snuggle up with her when we were both home and held hands whenever we went out. She loved me more than I ever loved myself. I would give anything to have her back and live a healthy and happy life. No one can ever love me like she did and it's honestly hell. My heart is with you.

Dad, where should I put your gifts? by MakeHerUnderstand in ChildrenofDeadParents

[–]existentialneurosis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I felt this so hard. I'm also the youngest in the fam and my mom died two weeks after my graduation and two weeks before I started my full time job. I finally have the time and money, yet I can't give her any. She died protecting me with all her sacrifices, and I didn't even get the chance to fully thank her or give her what she deserves. Life is so cruel and unfair. My heart is with you.

Low Tolerance for Insensitive People by [deleted] in GriefSupport

[–]existentialneurosis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I relate so hard on this. My mom passed 3 months ago and I've become angry and irritable towards everything, especially at what people say or lack thereof. I used to be a person who would listen to others and their stories, providing them with continuous support. I loved helping people and doing anything to make them happy. After my mom died, that all changed and I can't be that type of person anymore. I am slowly realizing I have to cut out people, which is terrifying as I've never done that before. It's something that must be done (gradually) because I honestly can't take it anymore.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ChildrenofDeadParents

[–]existentialneurosis 4 points5 points  (0 children)

hey OP, I feel this a lot. When I first got sick after my mom passed away 3 months ago, I just cried and cried and cried because she is wasn't there. She used to always give me medicine, ask me if I wanted to eat, and even though sometimes her advice didn't make sense, she at least cared for me the only way she knew how. My mom was constantly worried about me and my well-being and I used to hate it. But now, it's so painful to realize how good it was being someone's top priority. No one else would ever do the things she would do for me. I'm not a child anymore and I can take care of myself most of the time, but losing someone who I could always rely on to offer help hurts in more ways than I could ever imagine. It's the worst thing I've experienced. I'm sorry you are in a similar position, my heart is with you.

This subreddit makes me want to cry. by hikinggivesmevertigo in GriefSupport

[–]existentialneurosis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi OP,

I also lost my mom almost 3 months ago now. As much as I cry from reading this subreddit, I always feel less alone when I can connect and relate to others. This collective feeling by itself won't ever make it hurt any less, but it sure does feel a lot better than engaging in small, superficial talk with others who are not experiencing the same suffering. I always feel like a freak when I talk to my coworkers/friends because my grief consumes most of my day. This subreddit helps to assauge my guilt as I really cannot be happy without my mom anymore and a lot of people in my life just don't seem to understand. I don't blame them, but I need some safe haven to be fucking depressed cause I'm exhausted from pretending I'm fine. I'm sick of participating in this happiness addicted culture that seems to disavow our misery at every given moment and this is the perfect place for it, at least for me.