I hesitated before writing this. Who wants to read that I’m struggling? Who am I to think anyone would want to know? People have got their own stuff going on and don’t need to hear mine. Yet here I am, opening up a bit. Because I must. I’ll only get worse if I don’t.
Just over a week ago, I found myself crying tears of shame in A&E after a panic attack. Relieved to discover it wasn’t the heart attack I’d self-diagnosed; ashamed that I couldn’t cope with life. Yesterday, I was going to go out for a coffee, just to get out in the sunshine. I got dressed and ready, then I hesitated. I questioned myself. Where am I going to go? I won’t be meeting anyone. I’ll be on my own again. I can do that at home. So, with my self-confidence beaten, I got changed again, into kit I wear around the house, and didn’t go out.
I’ve been here before. For me, this leads to depression, even agoraphobia. I don’t want to go back there again. It’s a terrible place to be.
Long time readers will know that I’ve been fighting for years with anxiety and periods of depression. Since Trisha died, I’ve been concentrating on practical things and not dealing with the loss. I’m lucky that I can rationalise my way through daily life but that comes at a cost. My body is showing symptoms and I need to let my emotions catch up.
If you’re expecting a coherent explanation of how I feel, I can’t give you one. I don’t have one for myself. My inner monologue describes snippets of feelings to me but that description has no real meaning, no flow to it. If this is grief manifesting itself, then it’s true that it has no linear path; it’s more of a scribble that meanders its own way, in its own time. I need to start making sense of what happened, not just when Trisha died but over the whole course of her illness. That means talking to someone. That means reaching out and admitting that I can’t deal with everything. I don’t have unlimited reserves of strength. I’m not superhuman. I never was.
If I’ve learnt one thing dealing with this – and I’ve probably learnt only one thing – it’s that ignoring these feelings won’t make them go away. Help is there. If you’re struggling, please talk to someone – anyone. Don’t hide away and think that you don’t deserve to be heard, to be helped. You do deserve it. You are worth someone’s time. Please go and find the help you need.
A Husband For A Carer 
I recently found your blog via Instagram. You write beautifully about such a terribly hard thing. I really hope that you find a way to feel better.
LikeLike
Thank you, Nora. I’m certainly doing my best.
LikeLike
I stumbled across your site really… I read HuffPost UK as much as it makes sense for a person that lives so far away. I lost my Mom to progressive MS in November after caring for her for a year. My Dad lived in your shoes for much longer. Thank you for recording your words and sharing your feelings. Although they are painful to read, that is only because of how true they all are. I wish you the best on your path to heal and thank you for helping me on mine.
LikeLike
Thank you for taking the time to read and reply. I’m sorry you’ve had to experience what you’ve been through, it really is painful. Please take care of yourselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too. I understand everything. The “crap years.” Buying the keyboard and starting anew. Insulating someone from being the “sickest in the room.” And trying to figure out how to personally function, and more importantly live, in a new world. I also believe that those that have suffered from MS wanted us to learn from this, but be strong. No matter what happens to me, and you, it is not worse than what they endured. Period. PS: It’s Friday. Talk a walk, have a pint, or chat with someone new… and enjoy it. I will too. PPS: The best advice I received: grief doesn’t schedule meetings. Let it walk in and out of your office when it needs to… I promise I’m done now. :k
LikeLike
Hi Simon your words have taken me right back to looking after trish she was a pleasure to look after .
I’m proud at how far you have come since tricha’s passing .
My god how proud she will be of you Simon .
I’m sure your words will resignate with so many people going through similar experiences.
I’m glad you starting to find yourself again .
Just keep on doing what your doing , your doing great .
Keep strong young man .
Love and one of my big hugs 🤗 x
LikeLike
Hello Carol. Thank you. I hope she would be. All hugs are gratefully accepted. x
LikeLike