The distressed wreck on the floor

Less than one minute read time.

It's hard to describe what ran through my head the day of diagnosis but it was a mixture of shock, anxiety, disbelief, anger, fear, helplessness, loneliness, devastation & dread.

The distressed wreck on the floor was me & I didn't know how to begin to cope.

Overwhelmed is an understatement & I remember thinking how unfair life felt, you see I've never been fortunate enough to have had good health & have battled mental illness for most of it, I have always worked hard to pay my way in life but don't have the luxury of savings, I've lost many close loved ones through death so don't have a vast network of support; I'm a caring, empathic person who often helps  others before myself, so why wouldn't the universe give me a break instead of throwing something else at me.

Oh & did I mention my dog died!

Would make a great country song wouldn't it?

My beautiful furry companion of 11 years had left me; I was, & still am, more than broken.

Anonymous
  • <p>I lost my 8 year old dog recently too. He died of an aggressive cancer, hemangiosarcoma. I&#39;m a carer for my mum who has lung cancer, I also struggle with anxiety and have lost a lot due to the current situation. When I lost my dog, I really felt like giving up - he kept me going through the worst times.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don&#39;t know what to say other than be kind to yourself, give yourself a lot of self care and rest. The universe can be cruel but time is a healer and we have a great capacity for healing, if we look after ourselves x&nbsp;</p>
  • <p>Thank you for your kind words Magpie101 sad to hear you have lost your dog too, my dog also had cancer (tumors) when she died I wanted to die with her. As you said, its hard to find the strength sometimes to carry on and find ways of coping but we try.</p> <p>Best wishes to you and your mum</p> <p>Keep in touch&nbsp;</p>
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember
    <p>Dear peaceful, I&rsquo;m sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved dog, my 18 year old dog died just before I was diagnosed, so I didn&rsquo;t have to deal with both things at once, so feel very fortunate. Sadly it&rsquo;s not possible to get another dog due to my prognosis and this is a source of sadness to me as I have had a dog all my adult life. However I do get to meet a lovely dog at my hospice who a lovely lady brings in to visit the patients. I always appreciated how much my dogs contributed to my emotional well being and am grateful for the happy times we spent together, unconditional love is a beautiful thing. I now get a comfort from nature that I didn&rsquo;t feel as strongly before, I think I just notice the beauty in simple things more.</p>
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember
    <p>Hello all of you. Although I am a new member it was the Mental Health tag that got me. Now ive read your comments and just want you to know i am sending love and hugs your way.Life will get easier just try to find some faith please. love you all</p>
  • <p>Johnty thank you for your message. I&#39;m glad you had what I imagine were 18 lovely years with your dog and that you now have the opportunity to meet with a visiting dog. I too get a comfort from nature and agree that unconditional love from a furry companion is a beautiful thing. I cannot imagine what life is like for you but I do hope that your mind is at peace.</p> <p>Keep in touch</p> <p>Sending you a warm hug</p>