My sister went overseas to work for a year. Suddenly I feel very alone. Feeling breathless most of the night. Feeling that things not within control. A suddenly feeling of crying
Dear @User1819,
Thank you for sharing what you’re experiencing. I can sense how deeply you care for your sister, and I want to acknowledge the strong bond you have with her. It’s clear that her absence has created a significant void in your life. The fact that you’re feeling so much loneliness speaks to the importance of that connection. I truly admire how much you cherish that relationship, and it speaks volumes about the depth of your connection. I’d love to hear more about what that bond means to you, what it’s been like to have her around, and how her absence has shifted your daily life. That relationship sounds incredibly special, and it’s normal to feel this level of loss.
I also hear you describing a sense of loneliness and feeling breathless. This breathlessness is concerning, and I want to hold space for you to explore it further. Could it be linked to fear or anxiety about the changes in your life without your sister around? Sometimes, when emotions become overwhelming or we feel unsure about the future, our bodies can respond with physical symptoms, like feeling breathless. I want to acknowledge that it’s a valid feeling and encourage you to explore it more deeply. Could this physical sensation be tied to fear of the unknown or fear of facing the days ahead without her?
We are here to support you, and I want you to know that you’re not alone in this journey. If you’re comfortable, could you share more about what you think might be at the heart of this fear? Is there something specific that’s making you feel this way, or is it more about the lack of control in your environment? If you’re able to identify it, we can work through it together.
If the fear is tied to loneliness or loss, there are ways to cope. Reaching out to others—whether friends, family, or even support groups—can help fill some of the gap left by your sister. In addition, I would suggest breathing exercises to manage the breathlessness and grounding techniques that can help you stay calm and centred when the fear feels overwhelming. Small practices like journaling, where you express your feelings, might also be helpful in releasing the emotional build-up.
You don’t have to carry this burden alone; we are here to support you through some small steps and help you regain a sense of calm and control.
Hey OP,
I’m sorry to hear that your sister moving overseas has impacted you a lot. I think it’s valid that you’re feeling lonely and sad about it. I believe that means you and your sister were very close, and that’s really sweet.
If feelings do arise, you can try to let those feelings take space within you. Feel it in your body, and recognise the emotions you’re feeling. It’s okay to cry, it’s very normal as it is a way for our body to regulate stress and overwhelming feelings.
I hope you’ll feel better soon, OP