During this time, people may have assumed that you were strong when you were actually in shock. You may have appeared strong but felt more like a robot, going through the motions. Denial following a violent and unanticipated death is considered normal and functional. It
allows a person to travel through grief at their own pace and serves them well until they are stronger and better able to cope. It is impossible to push through any part of grieving in order to get
Be patient with yourself.
over it. If you cannot think clearly or if you seem forgetful and detached, be patient with yourself. Most importantly, if you need help, ask for it. Fear/Vulnerability You may feel that life is out of balance and that the world no longer makes sense. Many victims/survivors are surprised to find that they feel anxious, fearful, and powerless after the violent death of a loved one. Before the crash, you may have assumed you were safe from crime. Now, you may feel that life is out of balance and that the world no longer makes sense. The part of you that was previously confident and carefree has been damaged. You see the world differently and fear comes with that. We tend to believe that good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people. For you, this belief no longer makes sense. Instead you may feel that you and your remaining loved ones
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