How long does the average person grieve the loss of a spouse or best friend?

Question

I am no longer afraid of dying. Everything seems black and white. Nothing tastes good or looks good anymore... and I have to force myself to laugh or even smile. Should I be feeling this way after losing my girlfriend???? Am I abnormal? Getting worried...

Answer 1

You are not abnormal. many people feel this way after losing a loved one. if it is interfearing in your daily life then you should seek proffesional help to help you in the greiving process. There are many steps that you will go through before you hit full acceptance that she is gone.
Please realize that she does not want you to live like this. it searves no reasoning...she wishes that you would not act as she did and neglect the real you. Be true to yourself and your life...be happy that you are able to experiance all you do...it will help you later.

Answer 2

I am so sorry for your loss. I believe that you might be suffering from severe clinical depression, but since I am not a trained specialist I would not want to generalize your feelings and say you are. As for how long one grieves the loss of a loved one, I think that the initial shock period can be up to a year or even longer, depending upon the individual, but to suffer intense feelings of loss after that is usually taken as a sign of intense depression that requires psychiatric care. Please call a recommended psychiatrist if you feel that you are not functioning normally and don't wait until your feelings press you into doing something rash. Again, my heart goes out to you and I wish you all the best.

Answer 3

how long is a piece of string sweetie
no one can put a time on this for you and no one should
we all need to grieve and heal in our own way
and you may never get over this ... but it will get easier
i am so sorry to hear about your loss
but you are not abnormal ... i would worry if you didnt feel this way
but do get help though and dont let this become serious depression
perhaps some grief support groups would be a good idea xx

Answer 4

Normal. If the loss is from death most Hospice places will allow grief counseling for up to one year. Everyone is different though. You never get over the loss but, things gradually become easier to deal with and there is humor and laughing in it's own time. You will come out of it. Thank God for their life. God Bless You and I am sorry you grieve.

Answer 5

Are you grieving or are you depressing, is the first question I would ask ? I have lost my first wife and whilst mourning I lost a lot of weight. Mourning time depends more or less on individuals and I would think 18-24 months to be normal. The thing to remember, is not what you have lost which can be great but, try to remember what she brought you and thank her for it.You see mourning has a habit of mellowing into sweet nostalgia of time gone by and with time regret fades and fond memories last.
Good luck and look forward to you feeling better.

Answer 6

Sorry to hear about your loss.

The average time is about 5 years. That is how long it took my Grand Mother to recover from the Loss of Her Husband of 53 years.

As far as the abnormal part, it is a standard reaction to the loss.
I would however suggest you might look into some counseling. Just to be able to keep an even keel.

Answer 7

No you aren't abnormal, until you stay that way for extended periods of time. I know what you mean, My Mom died in October and a good friend of mine in November, and then the janitor at my friend's church on Christmas Eve, and then a friend I used to have that I haven't talked to in a long time died in January. I feel almost desensitized to death...like I am just used to it. Feeling that way is just a natural result of heavy grief. I do know that things are still beautiful and still taste good...it won't be like that forever. I hate to sound cliche but all of it has just helped me realize death is a part of life, we all will face it ourselves and with someone we love. Its a good thing to not be afraid of dying, just spend your time being alive. Everything happens for a reason.

Answer 8

First, I am sorry for your loss.

Second, what you are feeling is totally normal. Check out this website: www.taps.org

They work with people who lose a loved on in active duty military, but I know that they have great materials on grief and dealing with the loss of a loved one.

I also recommend that you call a grief therapist. They are trained in helping people get through a loss such as yours.

Remember that there is no time line for grief - everyone experiences it their own way and in their own time. Be gentle with yourself and be patient. Good luck, and God Bless.

Answer 9

I am so sorry for your loss. It is totally normal for you to feel this way. Some people grieve for months and some grieve for years. There is no set time table for feelings. Sometimes putting together a scrapbook or doing something for charity in her memory can be a healthy way to deal with what you are feeling.

Answer 10

I feel for you.I have also lost a loved one recently.I don't think we ever actually stop the process of grieving.Everyone handles it differently.I try to be as busy as possible because my wife would want me happy not sad and making myself sick.We have two boy's I must take care of.If i get sick from worry and depressed then they will.It sucks and sometimes I get mad but I know she didn't suffer and I believe she is in a better place.They say time heals all wounds.For me it will take along time.I hope you find inner peace and come to terms with your loss.