My mother's grief is overwhelming me. How do I keep my cool? [more inside]
posted by Monsters on Sep 5, 2009 - 25 answers

Does someone with a dying relative better understand what someone who has lost a relative is going through? Explanation inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 4, 2009 - 12 answers

In the past few months, both parents of my Japanese-American (by way of Hawaii) coworker have passed away. What gift/donation might be appropriate and have special significance to her? [more inside]
posted by acorn1515 on Mar 24, 2009 - 7 answers

My Dad died October 4 of this year, and I wound up with a big box of all his framed diplomas and certifications. 3 are his college degrees (Masters in Music Theory, PhD in Electrical Engineering). Then there are a bunch of others, like his engineering licenses. [more inside]
posted by yoga on Nov 10, 2008 - 25 answers

Recommendations for a cognitive behavioral therapist in the Houston area for my mother? He/she is going to have to deal with a lot, especially because she is irrational and suspicious. [more inside]
posted by Nattie on Oct 22, 2008 - 6 answers

My mom died when I was in college. Though she was in some sense a single parent to me and we were extremely close, I barely shed a tear about it since she died over six years ago. This past weekend, I'm not exactly sure why, but the dam finally broke and I've been overwhelmed with a tidal wave of sadness for the past couple of days that shows no signs of flowing back out. I have a couple of questions for you. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 29, 2008 - 13 answers

If my partner, a widower, wants some space to try to get over the death of his wife of 20 yrs, yet he can't tell me how long it will be, what am I meant to do? [more inside]
posted by ffazniah on Sep 24, 2008 - 13 answers

I need a new name!!! I've written a book for friends and non-primary caregiver family (NOT for primary caregivers) regarding illness and death. [more inside]
posted by Sophie1 on Aug 8, 2008 - 16 answers

I feel like I'm going through a breakup - only it isn't with a person, it's with an intangible thing. I know intellectually that I'll get better, but it's just been the first few days and I'm hurting so much. How do I heal? [more inside]
posted by divabat on Jul 1, 2008 - 13 answers

My employee may or may not have a genuine psychological problem. How should I address this? [more inside]
posted by Joey Michaels on Feb 8, 2008 - 30 answers

How soon is too soon to start dating after the death of a spouse? All the websites I've read have been for widows and widowers and tell them not to feel guilty for moving on with their lives after the passing of their loved one. But surely there really *is* such a thing as too soon? [more inside]
posted by jennak on Jun 3, 2007 - 38 answers

Processing and dealing with a sudden death. [more inside]
posted by atayah on May 30, 2007 - 19 answers

I have a hard time talking to my friends about other people's terminal illnesses and/or deaths. I'd like to get better at this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 16, 2007 - 12 answers

Can anyone personally recommend a support site and/or community specifically for people grieving from cancer, brain cancer if possible? [more inside]
posted by jrossi4r on Feb 13, 2007 - 9 answers

Grieffilter: Is he still grieving his wife, even though it's been so long? Need advice on my relationship with a widower... [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Feb 7, 2007 - 11 answers

My cousin and his family were found dead yesterday. While he and I were not close in recent years because we'd lost touch, I feel deep sadness for what my aunt and uncle are going through. (I am still in touch with them.) This leaves me with two questions. What is the normal process of a homicide investigation? What is an appropriate/meaningful way to show support to my aunt and uncle even though I live out of state and am completely unable to attend any funeral arrangements which may be made?
posted by anonymous on Nov 29, 2004 - 5 answers

SympathyFilter: What's the best way to help my girlfriend deal with the passing of a family member? Difficulty level=other side of the country. [Morbid inside] [more inside]
posted by rorycberger on Sep 3, 2004 - 5 answers

So, a murder happened in front of my house while we were on vacation last week. Now there is a shrine there around my tree about 5 feet from the bottom of my steps and people coming by day and night leaving stuff and lighting candles.

I don't mind the shrine, but how long do I leave that stuff there? How can I get people to not leave candles burning there (I am worried about fire danger.) Am I responsible for disposing of the stuff?

I have some ideas, but would like some suggestions.

Here's a link to the info about the murder.
http://www.timesstar.com/Stories/0,1413,125~1486~2236893,00.html
posted by aacheson on Jul 2, 2004 - 13 answers

What's the best way to mourn the passing of a loved one? What's the best way to help one's family grieve?
posted by trharlan on Dec 22, 2003 - 14 answers