When a loved one dies, many people feel guilty merely because there are events we just can't control. The chances are great that nothing you could have done would have prevented the loss. The most important step when you are feeling guilty is to forgive yourself. For many people, grief manifests itself primarily as depression. Depression, which is a normal reaction to a loss, can be the most difficult and long-lasting phase of grieving.
Depressed people feel tired, isolated, hopeless, helpless, lonely, and sad.
They have trouble concentrating, making decisions, and experience change in their eating and sleeping habits. Every object becomes a painful reminder. Life seems pointless and without hope. As grief lessens and we find other reasons to live, depression usually fades. Fear and anxiety are natural components of grief.