Am I Crazy?

These are not unusual experiences to have during periods of grief. Having them does not
necessarily mean we are 'crazy.'

TIME DISTORTION: time seems to move quickly or slowly, unsure of date or day of week, sense of past/future seems frozen.

OBSESSIVE REVIEW OR RUMINATION: telling story over and over, review events of the loss/memories over and over.

SEARCHING FOR MEANING: trying to make sense of it, asking 'why' questions, spiritual questions.

IS DEATH/LOSS GOD'S WILL?: asking questions of the transcendent, wrestling with God.

TRANSITIONAL OBJECTS: embracing objects that belonged to loved one, seeking comfort/remembrance in objects that belonged to loved one.

SUICIDAL THOUGHTS: thoughts that come and go where you feel unsure if you can go on living - normal part of grief. If you are making plans to harm yourself, seek help immediately.

GRIEF ATTACKS OR MEMORY EMBRACES: memories or feelings of grief triggered by a song, smell, person, etc.

ANNIVERSARY AND HOLIDAY GRIEF OCCASIONS: heightened sense of loss on these special dates, plan ahead and seek support.

SUDDEN CHANGES IN MOOD: from surviving fairly well to plunging to deep sadness and despair triggered by anything; be patient and gentle with yourself.

IDENTIFICATION SYMPTOMS OF PHYSICAL ILLNESS: similar symptoms to the person who died, normal reaction, way to feel close to person.

POWERLESS AND HELPLESSNESS: 'if only's' and 'what if's', feeling out of control.

DREAMS: common to dream about the person loss, help search for meaning.

MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES: common to see or experience presence of person who died; don't worry about being able to rationally explain.

LOSS OF INTIMACY AND SEXUALITY: part of grief if the deceased was your partner, common in any significant loss.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL: often used to decrease the pain of loss, can create more problems and gets in the way of experiencing the pain and mourning.

SELF-FOCUS: turning inward for protection, temporary retreat and healing.