Coleen says

IT’S clearly triggered a deep emotional response in you. I think when someone close dies, you almost have to put a brave face on and keep going and be strong.

Then when something unrelated happens, all those emotions can come flooding back and hit you, and you’re transported to the times when you lost your parents and other relatives.

It’s great that you’re seeing a counsellor and you should keep it up as long as you need to. The timescale of grief is different for everyone and what you’re feeling is completely natural. It doesn’t feel like it but it’s your body’s way of healing.

When anyone dies, I instantly think of my sister Bernie who passed away four years ago. It’s almost like you’re given permission to cry and feel something. And that’s OK.