Chapter 5: How your loss may affect your relationships with others

Introduction

My family has lost our baby too. They lost a granddaughter, a niece, a cousin. They don't want to think about it all the time, but I think about her every day, imagining what we would be doing now if she were here.

There may be times when you feel that you have to be “strong” or “okay” for your partner or spouse, for your parents or close relatives, or for your friends. There may be other times when you need their support, which you may or may not get. Other people may be struggling with their own feelings or may not know what to say or do to help you. You may feel hurt or abandoned or pressured to get back to your “old self.”

This is a time for patience and compassion. Only you can decide whether to “talk things through” with someone or to take a break. While it is important to acknowledge the grief of others, you also need to look after yourself.