Brun,
You are experiencing pyhsical and mental emotions that a lot of us grieving parents have experienced
. I too have felt at times that I have "LOST MY MIND" so many thoughts about your loved one can be confusing. I have fount the following article...You are NOT CRAZY...you are just a BEREAVED PARENT!
Thinking of you.
How to Deal With Grief
What is grief?Grief is the normal response of sorrow, emotion, and confusion that comes from losing someone or something important to you. It is a natural part of life. Grief is a typical reaction to death, divorce, and job loss, a move away from family and friends, or loss of good health due to illness.
How does grief feel?Just after a death or loss, you may feel empty and numb, as if you are in shock. You may notice physical changes such as trembling, nausea, trouble breathing, muscle weakness, dry mouth, or trouble sleeping and eating.
You may become angry - at a situation, a particular person, or just angry in general. Almost everyone in grief also experiences guilt. Guilt is often expressed as "I could have, I should have, and I wish I would have" statements.
People in grief may have strange dreams or nightmares, be absent-minded, withdraw socially, or lack the desire to return to work. While these feelings and behaviors are normal during grief, they will pass.
How long does grief last?Grief lasts as long as it takes you to accept and learn to live with your loss. For some people, grief lasts a few months. For others, grieving may take years.
The length of time spent grieving is different for each person. There are many reasons for the differences, including personality, health, coping style, culture, family background, and life experiences. The time spent grieving also depends on your relationship with the person lost and how prepared you were for the loss.
How will I know when I'm done grieving?Every person who experiences a death or other loss must complete a four-step grieving process:
(1) Accept the loss;
(2) Work through and feel the physical and emotional pain of grief;
(3) Adjust to living in a world without the person or item lost; and
(4) Move on with life.
The grieving process may be over when a person completes the four steps. There is NO time limit on these steps. Each and every person goes through these steps at their own pace. DO NOT RUSH yourself!
How does grief differ from depression?Depression is more than a feeling of grief after losing someone or something you love. Clinical depression is a whole body disorder. It can take over the way you think and feel. Symptoms of depression include:
· A sad, anxious, or "empty" mood that won't go away;
· Loss of interest in what you used to enjoy;
· Low energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down;"
· Changes in sleep patterns;
· Loss of appetite, weight loss, or weight gain;
· Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions;
· Feeling hopeless or gloomy;
· Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless;
· Thoughts of death or suicide or a suicide attempt; and
· Recurring aches and pains that don't respond to treatment.
· If you recently experienced a death or other loss, these feelings may be part of a normal grief reaction. But if these feelings persist with no lifting mood, ask for help.
When to Call a Health ProfessionalIf you or someone you know develops complications of grief such as disturbing or suicidal thoughts, depression, or anxiety, get help.
Call 911 or other emergency services if:You think you cannot stop yourself from harming or killing yourself.
You hear voices that frighten you, especially if the voices tell you to hurt yourself or other people.
Someone who is grieving tries to harm himself or herself or someone else.
Someone who is grieving threatens to hurt someone else or makes threats of suicide.
Call a health professional if:You feel hopeless and detached for more than a couple of weeks.
You cannot stop yourself from thinking about death or suicide.
You have a sudden change in your behavior that concerns you, such as drinking more alcohol than you normally do.
You have been grieving longer than you think is good for you.
Someone you know has symptoms of depression.
Who to SeeCounseling is best done by a mental health professional with experience in grief counseling, such as a:
Clinical social worker.
· Psychologist.
· Licensed professional counselor.
· Psychiatrist, who can prescribe medicine to control symptoms. Some psychiatrists also offer counseling.
· Health professionals who can help you if you are having medical or mental health problems requiring medicine include:
· General practitioners.
· Family medicine doctors.
· Internists.
· Physician assistants.
· Nurse practitioners.