rickyp

Close Bereavement
Type: Loss of a Partner/Spouse

My wife of 7 years died in January of 2009 from complications due to malignant melanoma.

Treatments

Crying Working / Worked

Crying regulates amounts of chemicals in your body and is a natural reliever of stress and emotional hardship. I do it whenever I feel it come on. If more of us cried, we would see how much it could help us.

Getting Angry Not Working

I feel anger is not a good way to work through grieving.

Grief Counseling Working / Worked

I have been going to a counselor since a month after my wife died. He has opened me up to many mechanisms that help me remain emotionally stable.

Helping Others Working / Worked

It not only makes you feel good about yourself (which is something you need while grieving), but it makes the world a better place.

Keeping Busy Somewhat Helpful

I try to distract myself quite a bit, but I know I must not hide or push down my feelings; they will surface eventually and if I deal with them when they come, I will save myself from more serious conditions such as PTSD.

Music Somewhat Helpful

Some music helps me cope by relaxing me; some may be ad for me because it is sad or reminds me of my late wife.

Prayer Working / Worked

I do it all the time. I feel that my spirituality has brought me through all of my problems and has shown me how much love can help us through hard times.

Psychotherapy Working / Worked

See Grief Counseling

Reading Working / Worked

There are many books related to grieving. There is no such thing as an instruction manual for grieving, but, reading on how some people have made their way through it can open our minds to find ways that may work for us.

Remembering Working / Worked

Works for me by way of my blog, the annual Relay for Life, etc. Awesome way to give them a legacy and in a way keep them alive.

Support from Friends & Family Working / Worked

I would not be able to bear the weight of the cross I have been given without the support of all of my family and friends.

Support Groups Working / Worked

Online support groups are quite effective; I haven't attended any local support groups but I have been told by fellow widows it does help.

Talking Working / Worked

It helps to get it out and to hear form others who have been there as well.

Time Working / Worked

Time doesn't heal all wounds, but it does make the pain more bearable.

Close Skin Cancer
Type: Malignant Melanoma

My wife passed away in January 2009 from malignant melanoma. Through 5 years of her illness, I learned quite a lot about it and want to help others.