I can’t seem to get over her death

Q Mum and I were very close. Then she died suddenly last year. One minute she was a fit 75-yearold and the next she had collapsed with a bleed on the brain. I am an only child and divorced, so I had to plan the funeral and deal with her things on my own. Somehow, I managed to keep it all together but, weirdly, six months down the line I am a complete mess. What is going on?

A I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Bereavement hits us all in very different ways, but your reaction is not uncommon. You were probably firing on adrenaline while you had to make plans and sort everything out and now the reality will be sinking in. Please contact CRUSE (cruse.org.uk). They are a specialist bereavement support group who will be able to guide you through this tricky time.