Death of a parent and a breakup- how to disentangle the two, get a virtual lobotomy regarding the breakup, and for heavens sake just fucking move on regarding the breakup. [more inside]
posted by xm on Feb 27, 2013 - 20 answers

My pet died suddenly. How can I stop traumatic flashbacks and focus on happy memories? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 1, 2012 - 26 answers

How to support and comfort a friend through the illness/loss of their pets? What helped you? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 5, 2011 - 19 answers

How can I survive my mother's death? [more inside]
posted by thelastgirl on Feb 13, 2011 - 36 answers

My friend's dad just passed away. How can I help him? What can I do? I live couple thousand miles away from where he is. Can you give me some suggestions? Is it bad if I start compiling list of government agencies or funeral homes for them to call? What else I can do?
posted by Carius on Jan 2, 2011 - 16 answers

How do I help someone I don't know very well get over the death of their brother? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 28, 2010 - 10 answers

Sadly I lost a friend to a long battle with cancer last night, her husband and teenage children are without any extended family in the area and will rely on some of us for the next while. Two things: 1 - Can you tell me of things that friends and family have done for you in similar circumstances that really helped at the time: large, small, immediately, over days, weeks, months, whatever. We'll sort out food, the pets and cleaning the house but what else can we do? 2 - Any advice on striking the right balance between giving them their space to grieve and being there to support to them?
posted by HopStopDon'tShop on Mar 21, 2010 - 22 answers

Our somewhat estranged neighbors just lost their 19 y/o son in a tragic accident. How do we communicate our sympathies? [more inside]
posted by keith0718 on Sep 12, 2009 - 28 answers

How can I find my dead cat? [more inside]
posted by the_arbiter on Jun 3, 2009 - 22 answers

Someone close to me recently passed away. For the most part I'm okay, but what stops me in my tracks is the idea that there may not be an afterlife. How do I come to terms with this? [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby on Mar 3, 2009 - 41 answers

How can I feel less alone in my grief? [more inside]
posted by Alligator on Jul 9, 2008 - 15 answers

My boyfriend's best friend just died over the weekend. He is inconsolable. I know I can't make it better, but how can I make it suck less? To complicate matters, this is not a "normal" situation, and we're not a "normal" couple. MeFites familiar with BDSM culture and psychology encouraged to reply, particularly those familiar with roleplaying/puppy play. Lengthy details inside; probably NSFW (concept, not content). [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 8, 2008 - 7 answers

Books/writing on death, loss and grief. [more inside]
posted by cosmonaught on Dec 19, 2006 - 41 answers

My very best friend lost her 6 month old baby girl to a freak accident last week. We're surrounding her and her family with love and understanding and whatever they need, but I'd love to hear the opinions of anyone who has been in this situation. What did you need or want in your time of loss? Suggestions for practical things (dinner, laundry, etc) or otherwise are all welcome.
posted by chiababe on Nov 16, 2004 - 19 answers