Anxiety

Anxiety: Why Loss or Change Can Leave You Feeling Overwhelmed

What Is Anxiety?

Major life change is already a rollercoaster, but when anxiety joins the ride, it can feel even more overwhelming.

Anxiety is the sense of fear, worry, or panic that often accompanies loss or change. It’s that tightness in your chest, the racing thoughts, the feeling that something else is about to go wrong—even when nothing is happening.

It’s completely normal. When we lose someone or something important, our sense of safety and control can feel shattered. The world suddenly seems unpredictable, and our mind goes into overdrive, trying to protect us from more pain.

How Anxiety Shows Up

Anxiety doesn’t look the same for everyone, but some common signs include:

• Racing thoughts – Constantly replaying “what ifs” or worrying about the future.
• Physical symptoms – Tight chest, dizziness, headaches, nausea, or difficulty breathing.
• Hypervigilance – Feeling on edge, overanalyzing everything, or expecting the worst to happen.
• Sleep disturbances – Struggling to fall asleep, waking up frequently, or having vivid dreams.
• Avoidance – Not wanting to talk about your issue, avoiding places or people that trigger emotions.

Your body is essentially stuck in fight-or-flight mode.

What is actually happening is that your mind is trying to keep you safe from more emotional pain.

But instead of protecting us, we get stuck with unwanted thoughts, beliefs and behaviours.

Why Anxiety Hits Some Women Harder

Midlife is a time of major transition, even without anxiety. Hormonal shifts, changes in family dynamics, career uncertainty, and ageing parents can already bring stress. Add a major loss, or life change and it’s no wonder anxiety skyrockets.

Here’s why some women are especially prone to anxiety: (other people’s beliefs)

• You’re the “strong one” – Many women are used to holding things together for everyone else, making it harder to admit they’re struggling.
• You’ve experienced multiple losses – It’s not just about losing a person; it could be a loss of identity, routine, or future plans.
• Your body is changing – Perimenopause / menopause and hormonal shifts can intensify anxiety, making everything feel even more overwhelming.
• There’s pressure to ‘move on’ – Society expects women to “bounce back” when in reality, that’s just not going to happen.

How to Ease Anxiety

If you’re experiencing anxiety alongside grief, know that you’re not alone—and there are ways to ease the intensity.

• Acknowledge your feelings. Anxiety thrives in silence. Talk about it, journal it, or share with someone who understands.
• Ground yourself in the present. Deep breathing, mindfulness, and focusing on small daily routines can help anchor you when your mind spirals.
• Limit triggers where possible. If watching the news or scrolling social media worsens your anxiety, give yourself permission to take a break.
• Move your body gently. A short walk, stretching, or even just stepping outside for fresh air can help shift anxious energy.
• Prioritise rest. Anxiety and grief are exhausting. Even if sleep is disrupted, make time for moments of calm and relaxation.
• Seek support. Whether it’s a coach, therapist, or support group, you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Final Thoughts

Anxiety is a natural response to loss or major life changes, but it doesn’t have to control your life. You are not broken, and you are not alone in this. With time, support, and self-compassion, the anxiety will ease, and you will find your way forward – one step at a time.

If you need guidance on this journey, I’m here to help. You don’t have to do this alone.