Restlessness

[Olinick]

Hello,

I have a question for people. On July 4th my dog died at age 14. This has been much more difficult for me to deal with than I expected. For the first time in 60 years I don't have a pet. Nicholas had become more of a comfort animal than I realized until I had to start thinking about life without him. Nicholas always slept with me but since he died I haven't been sleeping. It is now 11:30 PM and I have been up since about 12:00 AM today, almost 24 hours. Last week when I managed to sleep for a short period of time I kept dreaming that I had to move my legs or I had to run. I must have been doing that based on the way the bed was when I woke up. Last night I didn't sleep but just couldn't stop moving around. My legs just kept moving all over. Has anyone ever experienced this before? I have never experienced such restlessness before. I had an appointment with my counselor today and told him. He is questioning if I need to go back on an antidepressant or a mood stabilizer. I have contacted my prescribing doctor but haven't heard back yet. I have an appointment with her in about 2 weeks so I don't know if we will just wait until then. Any thoughts will be appreciated.

[Shnookie]

My condolences on the loss of your beloved dog. It makes sense, that your body is reacting this way. You have suffered a great loss and probably feel very anxious. Anxiety can hit your body in many ways. Until you see your therapist, try going on You Tube to find a meditation video. Try deep breathing Please put one hand on your chest and the other hand on your stomach. Breathe in thru your nose and breathe out thru your lips. Good luck

[012703060610]

Pups are the best. I am so sorry for your loss and for you losing your comfort pup and really a safe space at the moment. I suspect the bed could possibly be a little trigger if you slept together every night. I remember after a divorce, I had to change rooms totally to be able to deal with the anxiety. The breathing Shnookie suggest will help too. Focus on the breathes....I find myself trying to do some exercises but my mind is going through the motions. I have to make deep breathing very intentional to get the benefit. It's certainly a rough patch and discussing medication is a good idea no matter what direction you go. Will be thinking of you!

[Mohammad-341]

i can understand you , now a days dogs are better than human being . may you come out of this painful episode of life.

[Hidden]

Hello I'm so sorry about your dog I understand loss of pets especially on your own they were our main companion I'm thinking your age may be quite old and you may not consider taking another dog but perhaps a lower maintenance pet someone to love get up for look after I think it's just grief your feeling and is effecting you physically, there's other sites maby can help with restless leg I'll try find out sending a hug 🤗💖 and time is a healer the pain will lessen easier with another pet to foccus on

[Hidden]

Hi here's a site hope it's helpful

Click to see full size

[Midori]

A pet becomes as much part of the family as a child, and it is natural to grieve their passing.

Don't let anyone tell you 'It's only a dog', he was your companion, and often your security too. Grief takes it's own time to pass and those who are dismissive have obviously not had a close relationship with a pet.

It's fifteen years since my last dog went to the rainbow bridge, and I still miss her.

Cheers, Midori

[Olinick in reply to Midori]

Thanks. I am so lost without Nicholas. I even bought a stuffed dog toy hoping that it would help me at night but it doesn't seem to be working.