I'm really down since my aunt passed away. I'm feeling a lot of stress.

Hello Kior,

I can tell that you are under a lot of distress.  Although BetterHelp is not a crisis line, therapists are here to help support you as you process the stress that you are experiencing in your life today.  It sounds like there are a lot of things hitting you all at once, which can be overwhelming.  It sounds like your aunt was a great source of support for you.  Now that she is gone, I can imagine that your life stress is harder to deal with without having her to lean on. 

I feel your loss and want you to know that you are not alone in your grief and loss.  Losing someone you love is never easy, no matter how much we try to prepare.  Grief is not something we get over, but it can be a healing journey for you.  Right now it sounds like you are in the acute phase of your grieving, which can feel intense, with symptoms of shock, distress, sadness, poor appetite, sleep trouble, and poor concentration.  These symptoms will slowly diminish with the passing of time.

As you face the reality of the loss, you may find that this is difficult to accept, both intellectually and emotionally.  The needs that were fulfilled by your connection to your aunt will need attention.  Rather than burying these feelings, you will need to face them, which means confronting, naming, and making sense of these emotions.  This is not an easy task, and therapy is helpful to guide you through this.  Who else can you turn to for support right now?  Other family members?  Others who loved her and also feel her loss?  The end goal is not to finish grieving, but to adjust to a world without your aunt in it.  That doesn't mean forgetting her. 

You are not just dealing with this loss, but the loss of your relationship, and a mix of emotions about turning 40.  I am hopeful that you have a support system in place to help remind you of what those healthy coping skills are.  Therapy can be that support for you as well, as you continue redirecting on your progress in life.  I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best!