Paralyzing fear of losing someone.

Does anyone else suffer from a paralyzing fear of losing loved ones. We recently lost a stray cat who we worked with and convinced to let us love for over three years. This loss triggered a deep fear in me of losing other people and pets I love. I know it isn’t a human family member but we don’t have kids and she was part of our family. Now I find myself fearful of the eventuality of losing others I love such that it paralyzes me. How have others dealt with such a fear and been able to move forward without being paralyzed? Looking to talk with others with similar issues so we know we aren’t alone and can get through it. Thanks.

[designguy]

I've lost friends, family members and a brother but one of the most painful was losing my beloved female dog Jolie. I totally adored her and she did me, I knew what she was thinking and she was so playful and fun. It's been over 5 years now but I still miss her so. Losing her was losing unconditional love so in some ways it was more painful than losing a human.

It helps to allow and yourself the time grieve and heal but it's also the part of life that totally sucks, that as living beings we all die and it more than anything reinforces the temporariness of life and the value of living and relishing the moment. The sooner you get comfortable with it the better you will be able to live a richer fuller life. All we can do is keep them alive in our memories and heart and be grateful we knew them. I've had three different Weimaraner's and they all have had different personalities and i plan on getting another one after covid is resolved more.

[Midori]

It's the next stage of our lives, where we go back to the earth to feed the soil and become grass, flowers, maybe a tree or two and other things. Not something to fear. Some, like our pets, live short lives, and some will outlive us. We cannot change this, no matter how much we wish otherwise.

We who are left behind carry on, but I believe that person lives within us in our hearts and minds.

Yes we miss their physical presence it's true, but I can bring up memories of all my close kin at will. Photographs can help as can voice recordings. Grieving is a natural part of living, acknowledging the soul which has gone from us, but, depending on your beliefs you may be with them again some day.If you want to cry, scream or rage, do it! it's purely your business and nobody else's, eventually you will emerge like a butterfly from your cocoon of fear.

Have You looked it up on the Net? There are some interesting writings about it.

Grief takes its time. If anyone says 'get over it' Tell them to back off because it's not their business, It is an intensely personal thing ,and can take a few months to several years See your Doctor if you can and explain it to them. They might suggest a therapist to try to help you.

Cheers, Midori