My partner’s teenage daughter took her own life earlier this year. This was after several attempts and hospital admissions. My partner and I had solid relationship, until recently when I had other family issues and ill health…. Unfortunately this coincided with him struggling hugely with his grief. (He has other children of similar age to his daughter, one of which.had very fractured relationship with sister).
And I didn’t handle his grief well due to my other issues. Long story short we’re not currently together…. My question is I’m really concerned about him, he’s not acting “normal” which is absolutely understandable, and now barely speaking to me despite my attempts to make amends.
I want to respect his need for space - but - by doing that is that compounding his grief even further?
I feel that by me doing that few weeks ago he took it as me not being bothered despite it being his idea to have break
The inquest is soon which is going to be hard and I know I should be supporting him.
Grief is complicated I know that and I can only imagine the pain he’s in, given his other family dynamics
I’ve read online about keeping on checking in but be interested in your views
Thanks
Hello @Lizzie3,
I can see you’re new to the community, so wanted to say thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you have been coping with a lot yourself and are concerned about your partner.
I’m sure someone will be along to offer their support but I wanted to share these resources with you which may be helpful.
Our Grief Kind campaign has created lots of resources to help you to support someone you love through grief. 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.
- Read our Supporting someone who has been bereaved guide.
Lots of our members have also found these organisations helpful:
- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide offer support to people over 18 who have been affected by suicide.
- Support after Suicide has a list of local and national support
Take good care,
Seaneen
Im so sorry things are so difficult. I think if it was me I would be honest with your ex partner. Tell him that you still care and are worried about him.
Maybe write to him, words can be a release.
Please take care, hope things can be resolved