Is this crazy stuff normal?

[peaceloverugby]

My best friend Jack died in a car crash last week. Ever since, I haven't been able to start my car, much less drive it. I'm ok riding in a car, just not driving. Also, I call Jack's phone just to listen to his voicemail automated answer. For some reason his voice calms me down, but I think I'm subconciously hoping he'll answer. R these things normal, or have I completely lost it?

[INFERNO]

It sounds quite normal as part of a grieving process for someone whom you had a great deal of affection towards.

[Agent]

I think it´s pretty normal to not be able to drive a car after someone very close has died in an accident.

[wolfman775]

I think its quite normal. albit a bit ott but then again I have never lost anyone close to me and been old enught to understand (Or go to the funeral)

[byee]

I'm really sorry for your loss.

What you're expereincing is (sadly) quite normal, it's part of grief. Give yourself some time, allow yourself to do these things, they sound like they're soothing and comforting for you. With time, you'll put this into better perspective and be able to get on with things. Until then, just go with whatever feels OK to you.

[Triceratops]

As said above, your behaviour is very normal. It's always the unfortunate result of losing someone you felt a great deal of affection towards.

Do you feel as if you can't drive your car because you think you might run Jack over? (This idea occurred to me because you mentioned that you sometimes hope Jack may answer when you're listenening to his voice, even though he's gone). Or are you afraid of being in control and accidently running someone else over? Some people tend to refrain from doing certain activities or jobs in case they harm or kill that specific loved one that has just passed away, as an event like this often plays with their state of mind. However, I'm not sure if this may be the case for you.

Feeling confident about driving your car again will come overtime, right now you need to allow yourself some time to calm down and have some rest to soothe your grief a little. If listening to his voice eases your pain then I suggest you listen to it once a week/two weeks or something like that and gradually listen to it less and less as the days go on. The reason why it's not good for you to listen to it too regularly is because it can develop into an obsession and will cause you to grieve for Jack even more.

I really hope you can get through this overtime. Just try to remember that Jack is in a better place now, he is at good rest. He may be gone but shall never be forgotten.

[peaceloverugby]

No I think I'm afraid I'm going to get hurt, not hurt someone. Jack was driving, and a car ran a red light and hit him

[Antares]

No, you aren't crazy. You are just...grieving. I think it is normal to feel the way you do. Eventually, I think you will be able to move on. I think you understand that hes gone and won't be coming back. I am sure you guys had good times but you got to just move on and keep living your life.
Good luck though. Hopefully you can be back to safely driving soon :)

[byee]

No I think I'm afraid I'm going to get hurt, not hurt someone. Jack was driving, and a car ran a red light and hit him

Right. Your friend 'got hurt', so you're afraid the same thing might happen to you. Normal. Part of grief. Give it time.