For Better or For Worse: How Personal Tragedies Can Change Your Relationship

For Better or Worse - How Personal Tragedies Can Change Your Relationship

Whether you’ve been together for one year or 20 years, somewhere along the way you’ve endured a personal tragedy that has affected you and your partner. These can range from small tragedies, such as not getting that promotion at work, to big tragedies, such as a life-altering accident or even the loss of a child.

The little tragedies can be a test, especially at the beginning of a relationship. How does each person react to the tragedy? Then, how does each support the other? As a couple, we learn and grow with each other, and this includes all of life’s ups and downs. How we support each other, even while enduring a tragedy ourselves, shows a lot about our personal character as well as our how we value the other person’s feelings.

When the big tragedies come along, they can change us and our relationships. After a horrific accident, a death in the family, or some other type of loss, things will never be the same – for each person and for the relationship. The important thing is to get through it together, as a couple. Support each other, and love each other. You never know what the future holds, but if you are there for each other, you can both lean on each other and get through it together.

Some things to think about if you and your partner have endured a tragedy.

  1. We all deal with tragedy differently.

    It’s important to understand and expect that we all grieve differently. Even in entire families or cultures, a full outpouring of emotions is normal and expected. For example, in some cultures it is traditional for families to cry openly and spend as much time possible at a funeral (including services, burial and viewing) mourning the loved one who has died.

    Other cultures, on the other hand, grieve more privately. It is the same with people. Even in one household, each partner may be different. One may not cry openly or want to talk about the tragedy at all; but the other may want to talk about it all the time. No one way is wrong and no one way is right. They are just different.

    The hard part comes when both partners are grieving in their own way for the same tragedy. Find a way to support your partner in the way he or she needs to grieve while your way of grieving is supported. Try to find some common ground so you can communicate our feelings about what is taking place. It’s ok to grieve the way your own family or culture does, and it’s also ok to change how you grieve. Grief isn’t right or wrong. Allow your partner to grieve in their own way, and support the healing process.

  2. Grief doesn’t have a deadline.

    After a tragedy or loss, grief can take time. For some, they seem to get over it quickly, but for others the grief stays around. If one person is still grieving while the other seems to not be, try not to be angry or resentful. Just because someone took less time or more time doesn’t mean they are stronger or weaker. Grief has no deadline. It can go on for years and years, and it can be triggered by obvious and not so obvious things. A relationship can be affected negatively if one partner tries to hurry the other’s grieving process. Don’t do it. Don’t give grief a deadline.

  3. How to support your partner.

    Listening and loving are the two best things you can do for your partner during a tragedy. Many times, there isn’t anything you can do to take the pain away. But you can be there—even if it’s just to hold each other. Listening without judgment will be required on an almost daily basis for some time. It is normal for each of you to feel anger, resentment, extreme sadness, a loss of interest in daily activities, and other reactions sometime during the grieving process. Sometimes you’ll be experiencing these big emotions at the same time and sometimes not.

    When a partner directs his or her anger towards you, try not to take it personally. They may not have been taught how to deal with it in a healthy way. Just listen and hold your partner. Help them direct their anger in another way, where it won’t hurt you.

    The biggest thing anyone can do, besides being there, is to not lose hope. A person who has gone through tragedy may start to feel as if all hope is lost and that nothing is worthwhile any longer. It can become a spiral of negativity that can be hard to come out of. Always listen to their concerns, but offer hope. Healing will eventually come out of hope.

    One 2010 study from professors at the University of Georgia and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (U.S. National Library of Medicine) showed that parents who had lost children had more depressive symptoms overall and some even had health issues. But one thing they did find was that that for married couples who had lost a child, having a life purpose after the loss helped them greatly to heal. The study went on to say that intervention of a grieving spouse is vital in helping them get past the tragedy.

  4. Is Divorce or Separation Imminent?

    Unfortunately, when tragedy occurs, sometimes couples grow apart. They let big and small things get between them. Perhaps they want to grieve alone, or life just seems too hard and they are longer motivated to deal with life, and so they simply stop communicating. This can drag on for months or years, until finally there is no connection left. Or just seeing the other reminds them of something they have lost. Other times, they are negative or offer no support. The unsupported partner feels lost and alone, and seeks solace elsewhere.

    Remember that you can’t control how your partner behaves. If your partner chooses to grieve away from you, try to give them space, but always keep the door open for them to return to you. At some point, if your partner decides that the marriage will not work in their new life after tragedy, it will be a hard time for both of you.  Try to work through it and exhaust all avenues. Never give up hope, though realize that sometimes despite your best efforts, some relationships do not survive harsh tragedies.

  5. Go to a grief counselor and/or go to relationship counseling.

    If a tragedy in your life has caused you or your partner (or both) to develop anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, then go see a therapist. If the tragedy is causing issues in your relationship and you aren’t sure how to resolve them, go to relationship counseling.

    Some couples may feel there is a stigma of going to relationship therapy—as if something is wrong with their relationship. Relationship therapy is simply a tool to help people resolve issues and move forward. It can help you face tragedy in a constructive way, offer tools to help deal with it in everyday life, and also offer advice for partners on how to give support.

A final word.

Tragedy is a hard thing for anyone, single or in a relationship. For couples, it brings a new dynamic into your relationship. You may feel as if there was a life before, and now there is a different life after. The best thing you can do is be there for each other and get the help that you need in order to weather the storm.


About the Author: Malini Bhatia

Malini BhatiaMalini Bhatia is the founder of Marriage.com, a website dedicated to providing value in every marriage. Marriage.com provides resources, information and a community that supports healthy, happy marriages. Malini has global experience in international management and communications, and lives in Los Angeles with her husband of 11 years and two daughters. 

Read more from Malini on her website, Marriage.comFacebook, and Twitter,.

 

23 Comments

Izabella

My boyfriends mum is dying of liver disease. She’s got about 6 months or so to live. My boyfriend and I have both moved interstate to care for her and be with her until she passes but I’m struggling to know how to deal with my boyfriends emotions – one minute he’s super grateful for me being there and the next he’s telling me he wants me to go back home. He’s getting angry at tiny things like not being able to find something around the house and then yelling at me and blaming me for it. He’s doing things like this and then saying that we’re fighting all the time and we should break up. But the thing is we’re not fighting, it’s just him being angry and taking it out on me. His mum says he’s happier when I’m not around. I’m wondering if his anger towards me is because I’m the only one that he lets his guard down with and expresses his real feelings? I’m worried that he’s bottling things up when I’m not around? I just want to be able to love and support him through this difficult time. I don’t think pushing me away is going to help, is it?

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Josh

I lost my dad very suddenly over the summer, and have been in somewhat of a daze since then just trying to move on through the fall semester (I’m a sophomore in college). This weekend my girlfriend broke up with me, which also felt very sudden. She said she doesn’t feel the same connection with me as she did last year, and that even though we love each other she doesn’t feel like this relationship is what she wants now. I’ve realized since this happened that we have been somewhat distant, and I haven’t really been communicating with anyone about feelings and emotions I’ve been having. I really don’t want to lose her, but at this point I don’t know if it’s been too long for me to change and reconnect with her.

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Tracy P

Same issue here.
My boyfriend of five years recently lost his twenty two year old son unexpectedly.
His twenty year old daughter seems to need him to come bye or includes her mother (his x) in their plans.
I feel like she thinks it drew them close again after a bitter divorce.
She never even got over it after 15 yrs.
Even the house was exactly the same.
I feel disrespected bye them and wish he would address it.
Iv been there for him day one thick and thin.
We rebuild from the bottom together I’d like him to speak up is that too much to ask?

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BB

I’m grieving terribly for my 7-year-old Saint Bernard whom we euthanized on Thursday as she had bone cancer. Everyone in the family loved her, but she was my soulmate dog, always at my side. She was more like a daughter to me and had many special qualities. For example, she called me “Mom Mom,” and she’d wake me up each morning, calling me as she brushed me with her soft fur.

I’m finding it very difficult to live without her. Through the years, we’ve lost many pets, but this is the absolute worst for me.

My husband and I have been at odds. I want to talk about my grief and feelings about her, whereas he has been “keeping busy,” working on house and hobby projects. When I tried to explain my grief last night, he interrupted and started talking about his train set. Angry and feeling invalidated, I stormed out of the room.

To me, it seems like he’s not dealing with his grief. I’ve never seen him cry for her. I, on the other hand, have cried every day since she was diagnosed in August. What’s more, he doesn’t talk about her. For him, life is seemingly back to normal. He’s even going into work tonight though his boss said he could have a few days off. The only outward sign of grief he has shown is difficulty sleeping.

I feel somewhat resentful about his seemingly lack of grief for her and concern about my feelings.

This morning, we got into an argument about it, making everything worse. He claimed that this is how he deals with grief. I know we all grieve differently, but he’s not supporting me in the way I need.

On the bright side, we have a 7-month-old Saint puppy, and I hope she brings our hearts healing. I’ve not developed a close bond with her as I was so busy caring for the sick one. I’m hoping that will improve in the weeks ahead.

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Roderick

Hi. My wife recently lost her favourite aunt suddenly. They were very close. To make things worse she died on our son’s birthday. I put my all into trying to be there for her. Reading up things I should do and should not do. When she asked for space I gave her. I handled the chores and schoolwork with my son. I checked on her asking if she needed anything. Sent messages while she was out to let her know I care. Only for her to tell me one week after the death that other people were there for her more than I was. This has left me devastated. I really thought I was doing what was needed to be done in the situation. Now I have no idea what to do going forward.

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Felicia

My husbands daughter died a tragic unexpected death. At the time we were living seperately (about three hours apart). He and the childs mother have been spending a lot of time together, even sleeping in the same house. They both say they just find comfort being around each other and their is nothing going on. Should I be concerned???

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Chad H

Felicia, I would be very concerned that they are engaged, at the very least, in an emotional affair, regardless of how they would label it. That being said, on the surface, their living situation has been the setting for countless tales of infidelity, so don’t play the role of the fool. Find out for sure one way or another and address it appropriately.

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Bennie

I have a girlfriend who lost a brother unexpectedly and she is still grieving and in depression we have not seen each other for 6 weeks we text maybe two times a day she will not answer the phone will not call me I am very concerned about her and I relationship don’t know what to do or say anymore but hopefully y’all can help thank you very much

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Naomi

Hi Bennie,

It’s hard to know what she’ll be feeling because we all grieve differently. I don’t know if she has a big family and they’re all just taking time to keep to themselves or of she’s on her own and just needs space to deal with things.

I lost my Mum a month ago and it was expected, she had cancer and I don’t know which is worse: the prolonged, slow crash of a terminal illness or not when death just sneaks up on you – both have their positives, I guess.

Personally I feel love from every message I get from someone but I don’t always reply. Sometimes I forget to and sometimes I don’t have the strength which sounds weird I know but grief is tiring, physically and emotionally.

Keep letting her know you are there. If you can visit maybe do that? But again, that’s just me projecting what I’d want.

Also, grief doesn’t come in fixed stages, it really is like a rollercoaster. I feel like I want my boyfriend around me but when he is, everything he says and does is irritating me. I’m so angry a lot of the time but simultaneously I feel like a machine, a robot and a bit dead inside. Crying happens a lot. It doesn’t help that I just moved to a new town and have no friends here. Or a job yet and it’s a blessing in some ways as I’d have had to take so much unpaid time off but then the distraction would really help. Hopefully she’s busy with stuff, doesn’t have too much time on her hands?

The idea of being sociable again terrifies me. I am not the same person anymore and I feel like I have to pretend to be normal and I hate that! I used to love going out.

I criticise my boyfriend for not understanding what I’m going through but the thing is, he can’t. I would tell you to read all the advice you can find online for ways to support her and if you’ve got some one you can tell then that’s good too because it must be stressful for too.

My aim is to book some therapy because I definitely think it would help.

Is there something that she likes to do or used to enjoy? Maybe you can write to her and invite her to do something, to give her something to look forward to or try and take her mind of this, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time? Does she like to write? Maybe get her a notebook to spill or draw all these feelings in to.

Being outside is really therapeutic, too.

All is not lost. Good luck to you and her and everyone else going through this.

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Cindy

I moved to Canada (Im from the US) My husband of 4 months was in a motorcycle accident and lost his left leg amongst other injuries 16 months ago. I had NO ONE there to support me, while he laid in a coma for a week. I been caring for him, and his eldery mother (who lived with us). He has become so angry and bitter, and is angry that I “didnt just let him die”. I left after 6 months of verbal abuse. We are trying to work things out but im not feeling very optomistic. I feel that he will never accept what has happened and the verbal abuse and accusations will continue.

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Sharon

My father just recently died and all I received from my husband of 31 yrs was a text that said “I’m sorry”. He didn’t come home from work when he learned the news , nor did he call off the next evening. He went on as if nothing happened and I didn’t need anybody. He works midnights and sleeps during the day, so he want there for me at all. I honestly don’t know what is hurting me more now, the loss of my father or the lack of support given to me by my husband. I can’t stop crying now.

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Me

I know how you feel my mom passed away last month and my husband didn’t even go to her funeral with me.. he said he couldn’t leave our dog even though I told him that he would be fine at my dads or my sisters not to mention my husband’s mom also lives in the same town that we had her funeral… his reply was no I don’t want him tearing peoples stuff up… he will be fine they all have small dogs plus we can take his cage! I’m not gonna make him stay in that cage all day.. why would he have to stay in the cage all day I just meant if he starts trying to tear something up we can put him time out for a minute and while we are gone to the service he can stay in it… he said you know that won’t work.. I couldn’t even respond.. and why would I do he could come up with another excuse.. it was obvious he did not want to go and to me is what I heard was.. I don’t care how you feel or if you need me Yogi is more important to me and I love our dog more than I love you and I don’t even feel bad about it! And when his father passed 2 years ago I opened our home up and took care of him on hospice and was with him through everything

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joseph

There is nothing more horrible and tragic when you lose your love, your spouse, your wife and worse when murder/death occurs in front of your eyes. There are no books or words how to describe the pain in your heart and in your soul , it is deep so painful that yourself feel the dagger into your chest slowly inching into your chest but you cannot see the blood. There are no preachers, no counselors, friends that understand the tragedy is there. I suffered and I continue suffering asking why?

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Karen Young

Joseph I’m sorry for what you have been through. The pain sounds unimaginable and so deep. I wish I could take the pain away, even just a little, and I wish there was a way to make sense of this but there isn’t. There are no words that can make losing your love in this way, or losing your love at all feel less painful and less traumatic. All I can do is wish hard for your pain to ease soon, and send you love and strength.

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Beth

I went through a lot in a short space of time: death of a close relative while expecting second child, then discovered I had kidney cancer, and my mother had an operation the year after. My husband was brilliant through all of this. Sometime later he retired, and I had a second operation relating to the earlier one. My husband was fantastic again, but looking back now I feel I got overwhelmed by everything and down on things, and hubby was lost in his thoughts like I was. I thought I had a good friend to chat to to in between for extra support. Wrong! Found out too late how toxic she was – and jealous and it had created a wedge between me and hubby. She really embarrassed us in front of neighbours and we ended up divorcing. I was at my lowest for ages. I have never felt that way, always a strong person. I had lost myself completely and have even had sessions with a counsellor. I love him alot. It took a little while to get talking again – I had had an accident and he wanted to know if I was ok. We get on great now, and see each other daily (he helps me with my part time job and other things). He’s always been so caring and thoughtful. I have wanted to talk about things, but find it awkward. I am frightened of pushing him away, even though I sense he wants to say things, too. We have been such a good team and just gel together, until this person started her agenda. We thought she was ok and even chose her to be godmother to our first child.

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E. Jones

How awful… it is good that you got rid of her when you found out she was toxic.
I do not understand people that are jealous.
Jealousy people can cause havoc.
Hopefully you & your husband can get together & be a family again. Sounds like you guys are both taking steps towards a reconciliation.

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Melinda Dreiling

This is exactly what happened to my marriage. We had been marriage 20 years when my then husband had a 6 way heart bypass. At the age of 40! He went into surgery a loving husband, father, uncle and friend, he woke up 24 hrs later an angry man that unfortunately never chsnged. He said and did hurtful things…he would not take his depression meds because” there is nothing wrong with me”. He drove our son to suicide attempts, and then me….I’m out and I’m healing…but he is not and will never be capable of a relationship until he gets help.

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Donna

Where is there family councilling in southampton.my parents have got my son. I don’t See them – there behaviour is unacknowledgeable .i dont see my son very much. They don’t seem to realise how devastating to my life that is and that i feel i can’t move on.

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Claudia S

So, my partner just lost her mom. It has been
very hard. She became a totally different person. Rude, selfish, unreliable…she has been struggling with alcoholism for a number of years now. She is trying to cope going to AA meetings. Weed seems to help her. Even though I hate it I try to b supportive and respectful. She is extremely moody at times and has some trauma and mental health issues. But, she is also amazing in many ways and I happen to love her very much. Anyway, it was chaotic before her mom died. It’s a 100 times worse now and I feel completely lost. She has put me in a dark place. Depressed! Oh… she also moved back home (2 hours away) to care for her mom’s dogs and help her brother out. I’m a single parent, self employed, with a mortgage. So, although I want to b there for her, It’s not that simple for me. I also don’t understand her moving back home, leaving me all alone. I know I wouldn’t do that to her. At the same time I would’ve found ways to help my family back home. It would’ve been tough, but I wouldn’t let her down or my family. I want to break up with her. It’s messing me up mentally, I feel hurt, resentful, lonely and depressed. I love her though and it’s hard to let go. I’m hanging on by a thread of hope, but I have to b honest and say that I see no future with her. Between her choices and lies about drinking …I also lost my trust in her. I’ve broken up with her a few times over the same issues. She always comes back crying and begging. I guess I’m trying to find a way out. I would like for her to change instead… but she seems very comfortable being who she is now. 😞

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The more we treat anxiety as a problem, or as something to be avoided, the more we inadvertently turn them away from the safe, growthful, brave things that drive it. 

On the other hand, when we make space for anxiety, let it in, welcome it, be with it, the more we make way for them to recognise that anxiety isn’t something they need to avoid. They can feel anxious and do brave. 

As long as they are safe, let them know this. Let them see you believing them that this feels big, and believing in them, that they can handle the big. 

‘Yes this feels scary. Of course it does - you’re doing something important/ new/ hard. I know you can do this. How can I help you feel brave?’♥️
I’ve loved working with @sccrcentre over the last 10 years. They do profoundly important work with families - keeping connections, reducing clinflict, building relationships - and they do it so incredibly well. @sccrcentre thank you for everything you do, and for letting me be a part of it. I love what you do and what you stand for. Your work over the last decade has been life-changing for so many. I know the next decade will be even more so.♥️

In their words …
Posted @withregram • @sccrcentre Over the next fortnight, as we prepare to mark our 10th anniversary (28 March), we want to re-share the great partners we’ve worked with over the past decade. We start today with Karen Young of Hey Sigmund.

Back in 2021, when we were still struggling with covid and lockdowns, Karen spoke as part of our online conference on ‘Strengthening the relationship between you & your teen’. It was a great talk and I’m delighted that you can still listen to it via the link in the bio.

Karen also blogged about our work for the Hey Sigmund website in 2018. ‘How to Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Children and Teens by Understanding Their Unique Brain Chemistry (by SCCR)’, which is still available to read - see link in bio.

#conflictresolution #conflict #families #family #mediation #earlyintervention #decade #anniversary #digital #scotland #scottish #cyrenians #psychology #relationships #children #teens #brain #brainchemistry #neuroscience
I often go into schools to talk to kids and teens about anxiety and big feelings. 

I always ask, ‘Who’s tried breathing through big feels and thinks it’s a load of rubbish?’ Most of them put their hand up. I put my hand up too, ‘Me too,’ I tell them, ‘I used to think the same as you. But now I know why it didn’t work, and what I needed to do to give me this powerful tool (and it’s so powerful!) that can calm anxiety, anger - all big feelings.’

The thing is though, all powertools need a little instruction and practice to use them well. Breathing is no different. Even though we’ve been breathing since we were born, we haven’t been strong breathing through big feelings. 

When the ‘feeling brain’ is upset, it drives short shallow breathing. This is instinctive. In the same ways we have to teach our bodies how to walk, ride a bike, talk, we also have to teach our brains how to breathe during big feelings. We do this by practising slow, strong breathing when we’re calm. 

We also have to make the ‘why’ clear. I talk about the ‘why’ for strong breathing in Hey Warrior, Dear You Love From Your Brain, and Ups and Downs. Our kids are hungry for the science, and they deserve the information that will make this all make sense. Breathing is like a lullaby for the amygdala - but only when it’s practised lots during calm.♥️
When it’s time to do brave, we can’t always be beside them, and we don’t need to be. What we can do is see them and help them feel us holding on, even in absence, while we also believe in their brave.♥️
Honestly isn’t this the way it is for all of us though?♥️

#childanxiety #parenting #separationanxiety

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