Grieving a pet

[Customshop22]

Hello,

I am new on this site, thanks for reading. On Feb 4 I was faced with the most difficult decision of my life (I am in my 50s); I had to put down my best friend, my Airedale Terrier.

About 10 days before that, I knew that the day was coming imminently. Around that time, I noticed having difficulty eating. I seemed to be short of breath while eating. Four days after my dog passed, I started having a loss of appetite. It has gotten worse now almost 10 days later. I also feel becoming more reclusive and just looking fwd. to going to bed.

I would like to know, from anyone's experience here, if they have suffered moderate to severe appetite loss for an extended period as a result of an event that caused prolonged anxiety or depressive moods. Going through the medical steps to eliminate other causes. My intuition tells me its psycho-somatic. I have had that very similar and familiar knot in my stomach after a very strong anxious event, but it has never lasted 10 days. If you have a similar experience to share, I would like to read about it.

thanks

[Hidden]

I think it is very likely just grief. My chest hurt for two weeks after a good friend died recently. Be kind to yourself. Let yourself grieve. You've lost a true friend. It's going to hurt. I'm sorry you have to be experiencing it right now. Maybe tell us a fun story about your dog?

[Customshop22 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your kind words. Hana was a wonderful soul mate. She was already 6 months old when we bought her. The breeder was keeping her for show but her coat was not coming in as per terrier requirements. I did not want a 6 month old puppy but agreed to go see it and told myself I would need a sign from her that she would be the one for me. While there and speaking with the breeder, Hana walked over with her leash in her mouth and deposited it on my lap. She had never done that before and never did that again! The remaining 12 years together were the best of my life !

[Hidden in reply to Customshop22]

What a beautiful story. Thanks so much for sharing; you made me smile.

[Needtovent]

I've had anxiety and panic attacks throughout my life. 10 years ago I had my first bout of depression and among other symptoms, totally lost the ability or desire to eat. And I normally tend to be an over eater. Watch out and if it goes on too long, get help. I needed an anti depressant which also triggered appetite. Sorry for the loss of your furry loved one. I lost my girl two years ago. Such a difficult decision to make. I'm sure you gave him or her a wonderful life.

[Customshop22 in reply to Needtovent]

thank you for taking the time to reply. Ironically, although I miss my dog tremendously, I do not feel depressed. I certainly feel sad, I still cry here and there when a thought/memory enters my mind. After 10 days of really not wanting to eat, I am entering the zone of "is this really depression setting in, or is there something else going on, like a serious disease?" I have health anxiety and this is why I was looking for other real life examples of people who may have had significant life changes after an event like mine and also thought it was something else but ended up resolving once the grief waned.

[Needtovent in reply to Customshop22]

It’s certainly difficult to discern, depression or whether the health anxiety is tricking your body. All anxiety tends to do that. Your comments of appetite loss and feeling more reclusive reminded me of when i was, what i believe, actually chemically depressed. In either case, be mindful and try and take lorianxiety’s comments and talk to a friend or therapist to get past the grief. Hugs to you!!

[lorianxiety]

hello there ,it seems like the thought of your wee dog not being well and having to put it down ,this combination obviously contributed to your feelings of anxiety,and also shortness of breath and appetite,;it seems like you still have ,understandably,sadness and even some guilt attached to putting her down,meds,may help or a good chat with a friend--before depression sets. I get a tight feeling in and ,itsmy diaphragm,its there just now as I type....hopefully,you will begin to feel better talking on this site too helps....mine is anxiety