Some people choose to isolate themselves rather than face their fears, not realizing that fear is a powerful emotion that can disguise itself in a variety of forms including anger and withdrawal.
Losing someone or something (oftentimes abruptly) that you valued can cause you to feel afraid and apprehensive. The fact that your identity is no longer what it used to be is scary. In addition to that is the fear of what lies ahead and the overwhelming feeling that you won’t be able to cope. And lurking just around the corner is the fear of who or what you’re going to lose next. Even the act of grieving is scary because of its intensity and unfamiliarity.
While healthy fear can serve to warn you of impending danger and enable you to take appropriate action, unhealthy fear can paralyze you and cause you to react in such a way as to create danger to yourself and/or others. The good news—there’s an antidote for fear but it requires you to do the thing you fear most—facing and dealing with it! Fortunately you can accomplish it in small increments. Conquering even one small fear will make you less afraid and more confident in your ability to free yourself from its grip.
To begin working on releasing your fears use the workbook section in Life Interrupted: Grief Recovery Guide and Workbook available through Amazon and http://www.grief-recovery.org/ (“See inside” option and FREE articles are also available on the website.)
Life Resumed: Healing From Loss 
