Death

How do people deal with death? Is it something within ourselves that prepares us for it? Especially when you know it's going to happen. I personally have a hard time opening up to anyone about anything but I really hate talking about death. It brings me down into a deep sad depression and it's hard to get out of. I guess the real question is is everyone really strong enough to get through and get past the death of close loved one? I'm going through this experience watching my grandmother die slowly and it hurts every day to watch her be in pain and misery. I guess all these questions wil get answered once she is gone and I'm faced with the struggle of trying to move on.