Struggling with grief a year on

Hi all,

I lost my precious Nanna to Leukeamia almost a year and a half ago and I'm still really struggling with her loss.

I find myself ignoring and avoiding any memories or conversations related to her as the moment I think about her I just burst into tears time and time again.

It will be her 71st birthday on the 30th March and my family are making arrangements to go out to her favourite restaurant, like we did last year, but again I have shut myself away and said I don't want to go and started crying when talking about it.
I also haven't visited my Grandad at his house for over a year as I hate going in there and seeing her empty chair.

Even certain songs on the radio that remind me of her have me crying so much I have to pull the car over and calm myself down.

I try to hide my emotions as I feel like I should 'be over it' by now, so I don't like to talk to anyone about it.

Is this normal to still be feeling like this 1.5 years later? How long has it taken people to grieve over a lost loved one?

 

I would really appreciate any help and guidance anyone can give!

Thank you,

Laura x

  • Hello Laura and welcome to the forum.  There are no rules for grieving; it takes everyone differently and there is no time limit.    There are different stages of grief but again it doesn't work the same for everyone and sometimes you can get stuck in the same place and find it impossible to move on. You would probably love to share the anniversary of your Nanna's death and you would probably find a new way of grieving, that is to talk about your gran with your family and even smile at some memories.    And be able to visit your Grandad.

    The best-known charity to help with grief is Cruse Bereavement Care Freefone 0808 808 1677) but I know some people are having to wait if the demand is high in their area.  I have also come across another charity named The Loss Foundation who give bereavement counselling for people bereaved by cancer.  Their phone number is 0300 200 4012). Furthermore if you log into the MacMillan Cancer Support website - I attach a link - there is an a section called "In Your Area".  Type in your town or postcode and it will tell you of local support groups.

    www.macmillan.org.uk/.../index.html

    I find that even after many years I occasionally have a lump in my throat when something revives a vivid memory.  That is okay as long as it doesn't take over your life.  I do hope you manage to get through this.  Please come back and post here again if telling us your feelings makes you feel better.     Annie