Is what I'm going through normal?

It’s important to remember that your feelings are normal and that there are no right or wrong ways to experience grief. You’re grieving for the loss of someone you love and it’s okay to do that.

The initial shock can carry waves of panic, shaking, disbelief, nausea and crying, among other things. Once that passes, you can be left feeling overwhelmingly sad or angry, tired and empty. Whatever you feel, it's important to remember that these feelings will eventually ease, and you will find ways to help you cope.

Months or years after your loss, you may find that grief still comes to visit every now and then. This can be triggered by a memory of your loved one or by a photo, a place or a particular piece of music. Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries can be hard. During these times, try to focus your thoughts on fond memories rather than how they died.