How long will my grief last?
The depth and intensity of the grief that you are currently experiencing and its long-term effects will be influenced by a variety of factors: the relationship you had with the person who died; the intensity of the shock, its suddenness, whether the death was anticipated, the circumstances of the death, and a range of individual factors such as your personality, age, your family support system and your educational and religious background.

Is there a right way and a wrong way of coping with grief?
There is no right and wrong way about grieving. Don't compare your experience with other people You have the right to fully mourn the death. No one has the right to take it away. Don't be afraid to cry when you need to. Tears are healing. Crying, for ex, is a spontaneous response to the death of your loved one and is often a vital part of the grief process. Mood altering substances produced by the brain are present in emotional tears which have a potential healing value.

Is it okay to talk openly about my Grief?
Denying or suppressing your grief will not make the pain go away. It will only make the journey more painful and difficult. Remember healing starts only when you openly express your grief. So allow yourself to feel the pain do not suppress or rush it. Doing so doesn't mean you are losing control of yourself. It is a normal part of your grief journey. Find someone who is empathetic and will listen supportively.

What is the appropriate time to dispose off my loved one's belongings?
There is no appropriate time as such. You -- and only you -- should decide what is to be done with your loved one's personal belongings. Don't hasten up the process what is to be done with your loved one's belongings until you are ready. Only you should determine when that time is appropriate.

How do I cope on special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays and festivals?
You might find yourself dreading upcoming special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays. Your reactions to these occasions tend to be intense during the first year, but as the years roll by, you'll probably find it easier to cope -although it may never go away completely. Learn from these feelings and never try to suppress such feelings; experiencing the sadness that comes is important and healthy. That is part of the healing process.

How do I know when I need help?
You may experience a wide range of emotions including denial, Confusion, disorganization, fear, guilt, sadness, anger and surges of grief attacks which occur at the most unexpected times. They are, however, a natural response to the death .However; it is advisable to seek professional advice if they tend to get worse with time.

Will a support system help in the healing process?
Sharing your feelings is not always easy to do with family and friends if they have not experienced a similar trauma. If this is so, do not suffer in silence. Reaching out to others and accepting support may be one of the best ways to help your self in the healing process. Find a bereavement support group who will acknowledge your needs and encourage you to talk about your grief as much, and as often as you like. In a group, you can connect with others who have experienced a similar tragedy. It is a place of healing and is designed to help you get through the hard times, meet others going through the same experiences, and come up with coping strategies which can help you endure the pain of your loss. Sharing the pain won't make it disappear, but it can ease any thoughts .Support comes in different forms - support groups, religious meetings, hot line, counseling, friends, contacting other bereaved persons on the internet -- find out what combination suits you and try to make use of them.

I feel like shifting my house. Shall I?
Don't take any major or impulsive decisions such as shifting your house, starting a new relationship, relocating to another city or changing your job. It should be delayed for at least six months until you are in a proper frame of mind. You've suffered a major loss, and need to adjust to that change in your life first. Fatigue and depression sap your energy and reduce your ability to function. You will be unable to think logically and make appropriate decisions.

I just don't feel like eating or doing anything? What do I do?
Although you are unlikely to feel like it, having well balanced diet, healthy meals, adequate rest and exercise are essential to provide the strength you need during this difficult time .

How long does grief last?
Unfortunately, there's no definitive answer because this unwanted journey through grief is unique for every individual and circumstances. It requires great fortitude, humility, and courage.. Recovery time may take months, a few years or even longer. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. Try not to look too far ahead. Take one day at a time. Time does not heal all wounds, but the way we use the time that is available to us can help us to heal and give you new reasons for living.