My partner of ten years has recently lost his father to dementia and possible bowel cancer. He also lost his mother 18 months ago so he is now without parents.
I am really struggling to support him as his mood is so unpleasant and I can not respond to someone so snappy and occasionally nasty. I have tried talking saying I understand he is angry (even at me as I have both parents still) but that it does not give him a licence to be so entirely off with me and nasty with words.
We have had a slightly rocky few years as a couple (we have a son of 6 yrs) and I find these situations trigger my anxiety about our compatibility.
in time I would love for him to have therapy - but he mostly refuses this and says he just needs support at home. He has a very small support network and one brother.
I would appreciate any advice on navigating this time period. How to manage his (what feels like) resentment of me. How soon is it acceptable to start therapy? And any other general advice?
Thank you for reaching out, and I’m sorry to hear about your partner’s parents. That sounds really difficult for both of you. When it comes to something as tough as grief, it can be hard to know what to say or do that might help someone you love. Our Grief Kind campaign has lots of resources that can help. You can:
Watch our Grief Kind classes. Our Grief Kind classes are five short video tutorials in which Sue Ryder bereavement experts talk you through what grief is like and how you can support others who are grieving
Listen to our Grief Kind podcasts. Our Grief Kind podcasts are hosted by author, journalist and Sue Ryder ambassador, Clover Stroud. She speaks with celebrities about their personal experiences of bereavement and the support which helped them most when coping with their grief.