To medicate or not through Grief!

A parent's worst time comes when a child is lost. The loss is horrible and the aftermath of self-evaluation of each parent can be a painful endeavor that can last for life in some cases.

As a friend once told me, “Judy, everyone handles grief in their way.” For me, it was going to see my Doctor seek help with my grief.

There is no reason to feel ashamed for taking anti-depression medicine. It's our bodies telling us; it had enough, our world and chemicals change as we age or as we go through a life crisis

The first few weeks after Charlie passed away I slept. Doctor told me that was the only way to help me survived was to sleep. "Judy, you must sleep to help heal your body, mind, and soul," so I took the anti-depression medicine he gave me.

As he saw me progressing he switched my medication, it was time to face the world. BJ my younger son would say, "Come on Mom, let's go to the movies, we need to get out of the house." 

 Doug, my husband, took off from work until I asked him, "Doug, why are you home?" He looked shocked, "To make sure you are okay."

 I assured him I was going to be fine. There is no reason to be ashamed of taking anti-depression medicine. It's our bodies saying, it had enough, our world and chemicals change as we age as we go through life crisis

As the months past I channeled my grief through writing a book about my dreams of Charlie.  I still reflect on the past six years with amazement, I wrote a whole book and self- published it through depression and heavy grief, to this day I don't know how I did it. But, I am so proud of myself, and I know Charlie is so proud of me.

So, every person traveling on grief’s journey, if you find yourself having feelings of loss, trouble sleeping please reach out to your Doctor, talk to friends, or seek a support group. There is no reason to be ashamed; no one grieves in the same way and there is no shame is asking for help!

I am not saying taking medication is for everyone, but it has helped me. I know it’s not for everyone nor is it a taboo. As always, we must search our souls and follow our hearts through our life’s journey, never give up; there is life after losing a loved one. Yes, days will be hard but nothing is easy, we must fight and carry on.

Everyday I keep telling myself, Charlie wouldn’t want me to give up. I feel his presence beside me.  I can hear him say, “Mom, put yourself out there to let everyone know, parents must live on no matter what, life goes on be a support to people you can do this.”

Yes, I can do this Charlie! And I will keep on writing my adventure novels about Charlie!

When you're feeling anxious or stressed, these strategies will help you cope:

1  Take a time-out. ...

2  Eat well-balanced meals. ...

3  Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

4  Get enough sleep. ...

5  Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. ...

Take deep breaths.