[Rainbow360]

A young child whom I was particularly close to lost her mother last year. I was very affected by this. I had some similar feelings to grief although I had only met her mother a few times. I started to be depressed, my anxiety increased, and I disassociated some. I also developed a few strange coping or maybe destructive methods of dealing with it all. I wrote letters to her mom updating her on how her child was. I started saving cards and writing down details from/about different people. I wrote an unofficial will just in case I died. I almost started feeling all the emotions I will eventually feel when those I love pass away. I’m wondering what is this and is there an official name for what I experienced?

[Skeezyks]

Hello Rainbow: I see this is your first post here on PC. Welcome to Psych Central.

I don't believe there is much I can offer with regard to what you've experienced. Perhaps other PC members will have some insights they'll wish to share. If there is an official name for your reaction to the death of this child's mother I'm not aware of it. However here's a link to a listing of articles, from Psych Central's archives, on the subject of grief & loss:

Coping with Grief | Psych Central

And then, since you mentioned struggling with some depression & anxiety, here are links to 3 articles on those subjects:

Depression: Symptoms, Types & Treatments | Psych Central

Living with Depression: A Guide for Coping with Depressive Feelings | Psych Central

Living with an Anxiety Disorder | Psych Central

I hope you find PC to be of benefit.

[CANDC]

Hi Rainbow360. I am sorry for the loss you feel of a child's mother. It is normal to feel grief with any loss but it sounds like you feel very close to that child as if they were your own or your inner child.

We all have the parental protection built into us by our upbringing, so that could be you feeling those protective parental influences.

Have you considered talking to a therapist that might have a special knowledge in your situation?

[Rainbow360]

Thank you for your response.

[Rainbow360]

Originally Posted by CANDC

Hi Rainbow360. I am sorry for the loss you feel of a child's mother. It is normal to feel grief with any loss but it sounds like you feel very close to that child as if they were your own or your inner child.

We all have the parental protection built into us by our upbringing, so that could be you feeling those protective parental influences.

Have you considered talking to a therapist that might have a special knowledge in your situation?

I have, unfortunately that is not an option currently for me.