Unlike many caregivers on this site, I only had three months of 24/7 for end of life stage with my mother. I did have to stop working, moved her in with me, (after moving to her city in November 2013), and there is financial strain since I work for commission. She passed away on June 18, 2014. After getting my place almost back to order, I had to jump back into work this week to get things going again, and starting a new life in a new geographic area.. The problem is that I am exhausted, and putting off "jumping in" until next week. I am 59, but have always been physically active. Prior to this, I could at least run a mile without stopping...now I have to sit down after taking a mile walk. I would expect this with those of you who have had years of care-giving. Is this typical even after such a short time? Thanks for your thoughts, and I admire and respect all of you on this website.
I'd say give yourself a lot more time, but I can understand the urgency of getting back to making a living. Do whatever you have to do in that realm and be as gentle with your expectations for yourself in other areas.
My sincere condolences on this great loss.
In my experience it's not at all unusual to experience not only some kind of slowdown but some mental paralysis as well. It can be hard to move forward, hard to think clearly, hard not to reminisce.
Don't be surprised if you have flashback moments when it seems as though your mother is still with you...whether it's a perceived moment of conversation, that glass of wine, a mannerism, something like that.
You may also find that anyone who hasn't been a caregiver doesn't really understand what you've gone through.
I think it's totally normal and you need to give yourself some time to adjust to the drastic changes in your life in the past year. What you've gone through are some of the most stressful experiences any of us can have, and you had them all at once. I'd also get a good physical check-up as a precaution, but I imagine you're just "decompressing". Are you able to talk with good friends and do you have a good emotional support system in place? If not, that's another reason you're tired.