In the case of death of someone you love, you may find the most difficult stage of grief will occur six months to a year afterward. When the death is of a violent or sudden nature, anger, shock, and helplessness may predominate as the initial responses. When in mourning, behavior changes. Sleep can be interrupted or become prolonged. Normal eating patterns may change.
Some people become forgetful and confused.
Others withdraw from social supports and avoid all reminders of those who died. Thinking it will numb the pain, some individuals drink heavily and abuse drugs. When someone you love dies, it is helpful to accept that you are in mourning and to remember that grief is an emotional process that cannot be completely controlled. This is normal. Because death is very disruptive to the bereaved person or community, many people find they begin to feel better when they gently reassert control over some aspect of their lives.