So it’s ten months in. I have contacted all the ‘grief support’ resource groups listed in NSW and Sydney websites and in leaflets… I have yet to meet a single fellow widow or widower in a similar situation to me.
There are groups for parents grieving the death of a child, for widows and widowers of those who have been lost to cancer, for elderly people in rural areas, for parents of young children when they have lost a spouse, families of suicide victims… and many more.
But I can’t find any groups or forums for anyone who is;
- under 40
- greiving the sudden loss of a partner
Where ARE they? And who is supporting them?
March 1, 2016 at 6:52 pm
Hmmm… you may need to create it yourself.
I’ve been thinking of you heaps, Kate. I’m pet-sitting in rural Hawaii (population 200) and just met a woman who lost her husband 9 months ago. He was merely 44. Would it be ok to connect you?
The world is a vast place and the internet brings us closer. My support community is all over the world! A virtual group via Skype or Zoom could be vital.
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March 1, 2016 at 8:15 pm
Thanks gina yes I’d love an introduction x
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March 2, 2016 at 1:59 am
I had a very similar experience to that which you describe. My husband dropped dead (literally) at age 33, leaving me with an 11mth old baby, two mortgages and no income. It’s an isolating experience on so many levels, not the least of which is the distinct lack of online support for young widows. I quickly employed the services of a grief counsellor, under a care plan from my GP, and was connected to a woman in similar circumstances through a mutual friend. We talked at length on the telephone many a night over the first few years and although our lives were vastly different, the common ground of grief, single-parenting, financial hardship, friendship changes, etc made a world of difference to my ability to cope. I found a few threads of chats where people were sharing their stories, but found it more depressing than helpful. I’d be very happy to provide an empathetic ear for you. 🙂
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March 2, 2016 at 3:21 am
Thanks for making contact, Kylie. I’d love to get in touch and ask you a few questions. Is your listed email best? Thanks
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March 8, 2016 at 3:14 am
I’m happy to talk via phone or email. Perhaps a private email to exchange numbers? Looking forward to hearing from you. 🙂
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March 5, 2016 at 11:29 pm
Hi
I have been shared this by Catriona.
I am a widow,bit older than you.[I was 49 ] But i know it is tough to find useful groups and help out there.
I found reading blogs incredibly helpful. widows don’t wear Black is my top recommendation and she has lots of good links.
Happy to meet up with you and have a coffee,grief is a very lonely place and very hard to convey to people how it feels.
I think Catriona sent you a link to my blog.I hope it is helpful,sometimes it is just great to think that what you feel is normal in the spectrum of grief and loss and that helps you feel more part of the human race again.
All the best
Vicky
Blog called.. better to say something. It is a medium blog site.
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March 7, 2016 at 10:17 pm
Thanks for making contact Vicky, I’ll get in touch for that coffee :O)
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