Gransnet forums

Bereavement

widow of a suicide: advice please

(33 Posts)
Crossstitchfan Wed 02-Jul-25 14:52:53

A husband committing suicide is bad enough, so please don’t stop talking to her.
In your position, I would ask her to come for coffee. Her response will guide you as to future contact.
I was widowed (though not by suicide) but I would have been heartbroken if things changed with friends and acquaintances because of it.

Kate1949 Wed 02-Jul-25 14:51:36

When my brother took his own life, people crossed the if they saw us. I realise that was because they didn't know what to say but it was hurtful. I agree with putting a note through her door.

AuntieE Wed 02-Jul-25 14:51:08

PLEASE, behave as you would if her husband had died in any other way.

Next time you see her, stop her and just say, "I was so sorry to hear of your husband's death. If I can help in any way, do please come and ask."

The very worst thing you can do is to do nothing. Most widows feel they have suddenly become completely invisible, or worse have to deal with tactless remarks, such as the one I received from a now former friend who said, believe it or not, "of course your husband did lead a hard life, smoking as much as he did"

As he did not die of lung cancer I felt she could have buttoned her lip!

Charleygirl5 Wed 02-Jul-25 14:49:38

I so agree with Sago. People will definitely avoid her, I think, mainly because they do not know what to say.

I think you need to do more than put a note through her door. Could you invite her out for a dog walk, even if that starts with a note through the letterbox, she will at least reply.

BlueBelle Wed 02-Jul-25 14:46:15

She would probably want to talk, she’s got a lot on her shoulders, offer her a friendly ‘so sorry to hear etc’ and see where it goes it could make a lot of difference to her state of mind poor lady
Offer her a friendly shoulder

Oreo Wed 02-Jul-25 14:41:58

If you know where she lives then a condolence note through the door?

Sago Wed 02-Jul-25 14:35:01

Our dear friend committed suicide, his lovely widow was sick of people avoiding her, it added to her grief.

Talk to her, offer condolences and maybe suggest a dog walk together every now and then.

GrannaKaye Wed 02-Jul-25 14:29:39

I am not sure this is the right forum but I would like some advice please. We live in a townhouse condo development (Canada) and a new couple moved in about 4 months ago. I had spoken briefly with both of them maybe 4 times because we both have dogs that get along. No more than a very brief conversation each time. They are probably in their late 40s. Two weeks ago the husband committed suicide and we have seen very little of the wife, although friends or relatives have been visiting and walking their dog. She walked by our back garden area yesterday with the dog, both of them looking so careworn and sad. They were close enough for a wave but awkwardly far enough away for any kind of greeting. My question is how do I approach her with condolences? I can probably get her email or send a note through the mail...but I don't want to be intrusive or make her feel that she has to respond at all. I am lost in this situation and would appreciate some advice. Thanks!