Losing a Parent...

[joey]

I was wondering how many people on here have lost a parent?

I lost my Mum when I was 12 and have many conflicting theories as to whether this may have caused my Social Anxiety and Inability to talk about myself. I get VERY anxious talking about the death of my parent. I avoid talking about it with everybody apart from my partner. I was raised in a small household (Dad and Brother) that NEVER spoke about it either (and still don't.)

Just wondering...

[Dreaming]

Hey Joey,

I haven't lost a parent due to death (I've lost one due to..I'm not even sure what!).

However, my mum has renal failure and suffers from depression and I was her primary carer (until she met my wonderful step dad who took over!) and I think her illness, although perhaps not the cause of my anxeity problems has certainly compounded it. I think when you are surrounded by illness its bound to effect you in some way.

I also felt very unesay tallking about myself as I was growing up as my mum's illness was like a secret that we couldn't tell anyone about (concerned about social services etc) and that made me very conscious about talking about myself and giving anything away!

I think when it comes to death/illness honesty is the best policy. I've found it really liberating to be able to talk about my experiences, I've realised there is nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about and I think it helps people understand me better.

I'm really sorry about your mum Joey x

[joey]

you're right, honesty is the best policy I shall make a bit of an effort to let people know me. Thanks. J