Its normal. It took months before my brain starting working again and then it was baby steps. I still have a hard time if there are too many stressful things going on at one time.

There is another thread about this also with some really good suggestions.

Diane

My widow's fog lasted a long time. I'm in year four and I still have some memory problems. I'm 49 and I still have some days where I can't concentrate at all just like the first year. I guess the worst of it for me lasted about a year. That first year is just a blur and I sometimes wonder how I managed to take care of things and get so much done, but I did somehow.

I would think that each person would be different. I went back to work after two weeks, but I have a very forgiving job for those days when I don't do well. I still have to make lists for everything or I won't remember it.

Nessie from KY

Diane, what is the other thread please. I am getting concerned.

It has been a year now but I still find difficult to concentrate, focus and my memory is not what it was. It is all improving albeit very slowly. I always was an avid reader but even now 12 months on, I find it difficult to read a book without having at times to go back and re- read because my mind wanders.

I have to make a real effort if driving any long distance because I find it difficult to focus my mind. Now still few things captivate my interest, I have to make real efforts to concentrate on the job at hand.

List, list, list and list again and a huge diary otherwise I forget. I was never like this before but for me it is taking a long time to go back to normal.

I could not concentrate at first but I'm getting better. I love to sew all the time . When my husband died I couldn't sew if my life depended on it. I taught for the library and had to give that up because of my concentration. I could not even read and remember what I read. I had to write every thing down on paper. My husband has been gone just a little over a year and find myself getting better. I have been doing a lot of reading and making gifts again. I'm retired . I had to retire when my husband got sick so I fill my time volunteering for others and that helps me put a little piece of me back together.
Give yourself time and don't be so hard on yourself.
God Bless
Carol

Hearing it's normal at this stage won't help but it true. My thoughts is our minds are in overdrive trying to process life as it has become. Emotions are raging from fear, loneliness, and the sheer magnitude of the changes outside our control. I went through the not caring part too. For me it was more of why bother? My advice would be deep breath and one task at a time. We have to break things down and prioritize a list of action. The big picture is just too overwhelming. Sending hugs your way. Sharon

I guess I'm having more memory/concentration problems than I realized.
Just found several mistakes I made in January. I've been doing this job for 7 years and to an outsider I probably look like a newbie.
I feel so stupid. I know I'm not but this grief stuff really messes with your brain.
I'm good at fooling people around me that I'm ok, maybe I was fooling myself thinking I was getting better.
I'm gonna have to work on this.

Diane

check out "Job and Grief"

There is likely nothing wrong with you. As I look back at paperwork I did in the first months after my wife died I am amazed to find errors and things I don't remember doing. The lack of motivation was part of it also. All that we who are a little farther along than you can do is offer sympathy , and understanding and try to reassure you that you are normal, just not fully functional and it will get better

I am trying to complete 24 hours continuing education on the computer for my real estate license, one four hour course all afternoon and still not done. My gosh, this is terrible. Physical labor helps so guess will try that for a while. Thanks everyone, at least I know I am not losing it.

It is normal...called widda (widows) brain. I used to be quick witted, very focused, did not need reminder notes or calendars. Since Chris died my mind wanders all the time and I have to set myself reminders. I am told it will get better...but I can at 8 months this Saturday it is not better yet.

the fog can lift anywhere from 3.5- 7 months. I made a lot of notes. But beware when it lifts ( because your brain thinks it can handle the full brunt of loss) You may find a nasty grief wave.
If you are a note taker or make good out lines ,; Outline what you need to do with calender dates, and two day prior reminders. I love my calender on Yahoo mail. It emails me my schedule for classes and projects due...so I don't forget if i am under stress or just losing days..which was a gift of greif I haven't shaken yet. Also if you can delegate some of the work like counts and inventory to a trusted person do that.
There are always an abundance of people that said call if you need anything...mostly though the need guidance. If you haven't called them They will think all is well too fast. It's not that they forgot they just don't know what to do.