We all deal with trauma differently; there is no right or wrong way of handling it. Although there is a lot of research into the process of grief and trauma, this provides only guidelines. It does not mean that your own feelings will definitely appear in a particular order. We all react to every situation in life in a different way, and loss and bereavement are just the same.

Feeling grief isn't only a problem when someone or something dies: we grieve for relationships, for lost opportunities and even for material things. If we can recognise the feelings of grief, then we can move on. Denial of those feelings will breed bigger problems that will impact on your whole life.

It's important to remember that whatever has happened to you has probably affected those around you too, and might change the way they react to you. In time, things will get back to normal, and the sadness does get less and less. In the meantime, talk to people around you. Let them know just how you are feeling.

There are lots of helpful resources on the Internet. Use the search engines to find sites that deal with grief and trauma and you will instantly feel understood.