We are really sorry if you are here because your partner died. It can be incredibly painful. IMWIDU is here to help. Losing a spouse can be devastating, whether the death is sudden or following a long illness it is likely to be one of the most intense emotional experiences of your lifetime. The death of a spouse is a distressing life event, forcing you to navigate both the emotional loss and the shattering of social and economic circumstances.

Grieving the Loss

The surviving spouse not only grieves the person who has died, they also grieve the role that is lost, the loss of a friend, soul mate, wage earner or co-parent.
Your world as you knew it has changed, one day you are married; the next day you are single, alone, and grieving. Suddenly you are cast into the role of being a “widow” or a “widower”, a role neither relished nor desired. The question, “Who am I now?” My roles in the family, community have changed. Your expectation of a long life together has also been taken away. Couple who have spent most of their adult lives married to each other may not be able to imagine living in the world without their spouse. You may experience many different emotions; from initial numbness and shock, even when the death was expected, to anger and frustration at the change in your life, to an often-overwhelming sadness at the unfairness of it all. You may get stuck in the ‘if only’. You come to understand and accept that the world is an unpredictable place with no guarantees about anything. Spiritual belief that you will be reunited in the future may ease the pain.

The daily challenges

Losing a partner usually comes with a number of challenges. You probably feel overwhelmed and anxious about your future. Increased family and household responsibility. More the dependency, the greater the void is.
Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges. Because your spouse or partner was such a major part of your daily life, You may feel as if you have lost some part of yourself. This is the person you made long-term plans with and chose to spend your life with. No one will ever take his or her place. You may want to isolate yourself at this time, it doesn't me

A lifetime of loneliness

Finances are another challenge if your spouse managed the finances and you’re unsure of where you stand. In most households, one spouse, husband or wife handles the day-to-day finances. But when the death of a spouse comes suddenly and unexpectedly, the surviving partner is often left unprepared. In addition to regular bills and expenses, you may have hospital and funeral costs and more.
You may also miss having romance. You may feel embarrassed or shy about having such feelings even though they’re perfectly normal. Going Out After the Death of a Spouse:
Having a social life as a single person can be tough. Your married friends may drift away. It's sad, but sometimes it happens. You may feel awkward going to parties and other social events by yourself or coming home alone. Tell your friends how you feel to avoid "couples" parties and get-togethers. After time, some are ready to have a social life again. Being single can also provide a welcome opportunity to seek out new friends. Be open to making new friends.

What may help

Adapting to life without your partner takes time.
Try to get back to a normal routine. Go at a comfortable pace.
Take physical exercise, even a 10 minute walk every day.
Reaching out to others for support is critical. Choose your support wisely.
Don’t let your grief be dictated by others. This is your grief and you know best how to express it.
Enlist a trusted family member, friend or financial advisor to help you make sound decisions and stay on top of any financial obligations or decisions that need to be made.
See friends one-on-one. Try group activities.
With married friends, think about informal outings like walks, picnics, or movies rather than couple’s events that remind you of the past.
Many people find that pets provide comforting companionship.
If you’re struggling with your grief, please seek support from a qualified counsellor and a local support group.

If you’re struggling with your grief, please seek support from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychologist.