Some recover quickly, some more slowly and some are changed forever. Over the years I have seen some of the problems that the bereaved encounter. Out of this experience I have learned a number of things that may be of use. During the period of intense grief, people often think they are going crazy. Some people hear voices or see visions, others find themselves attached to odd objects.
People feel embarrassed, ashamed, guilty, edgy, withdrawn, anti-social and angry.
They sometimes act in ways totally uncharacteristic and this is why they feel they must be going mad. They are no longer themselves. I have also learned that there is no such thing as a time-table for grieving nor is there such a thing as the proper way to grieve. The most that can be said is that there is a general pattern, a broad outline, but within these contours each person finds his or her own way. What is true is that for many the amount of time grief takes to work itself through is far longer than outsiders realize.