Reaction to Loss: If I start crying will I be able to stop?

There are many misconceptions about the pain associated with significant emotional loss. Some relate to the relationship of others, for example: "It's not fair to burden them with my pain," or "You have to be strong for others" [mom, dad, kids, etc.]. Some relate to how we think we should be reacting to the loss, for example: "I should be over it by now," or "I have to keep busy."