Editor’s note: we are reprinting this post in honor of all who have served their country, veterans and currently serving. Dear Dr. Neimeyer, My partner committed suicide in front of me last February. He asked me to hold his hand. I always promised I’d be there for him, regardless. But this was something I couldn’t
Category Archives: Loss of a Loved One
Loss of a Beloved Uncle
Dear Dr. Neimeyer, I just lost my uncle, and I can’t even see a picture with him in without breaking down. He and I were very close, but I didn’t even get to go to his funeral. I feel like I let him down by not going. The last time I saw him was the
Anticipatory grief, when a loved one is dying
Dear Dr. Neimeyer, My question is about anticipatory grief, the distress that family members can feel when a loved one is receiving end-of-life care. I work in a palliative care unit of a large hospital, and we often have families who are overwhelmed with the reality of the patient’s impending death, to a point that
My partner died…
Dear Dr. Neimeyer, Since my partner died three months ago, I feel totally lacking in any desire to be involved in life. I just want to let days slide past without going anywhere, doing anything, seeing anyone. Going to places we loved and knew is hugely upsetting; meeting people who ask how I’m doing reduces
Grief and Test Taking
Dear Dr. Neimeyer, My grandson took a psychological test for placement in a job (oral – he passed the written). He failed this test. My question is: he was grieving the loss of his grandfather just 2 months prior. Could this have had an impact on his test results? We are attempting an appeal and
I’ve lost all my parents and siblings
Dear Dr. Neimeyer, I’ve lost all my parents and siblings. Each one I’ve grieved and tried to move on, but now that I’ve lost my last remaining family member, my sister, five weeks ago, why do I feel like I’m grieving for them all now? I’ve never felt so lost and alone now that I’ve lost