You helped me after my husband died suddenly

DEAR DEIDRE: After my husband died suddenly – and very young – I really struggled to cope with my grief.

I couldn’t concentrate at work and I kept bursting into tears.

I’d lie awake at night wondering if the hospital could have done more to save him after he was hit by a car.

At 44, I felt angry too that I was left alone to bring up our kids, who are 13 and 11. My husband was only 45.

I wrote to you and you suggested I join Widowed And Young, a support group for people widowed aged under 51 (widowedandyoung.org.uk).

You also sent me your Bereavement support pack.

And, to my surprise, you checked in with me a month later.

When I said I still wasn’t doing well, you reassured me that I would feel better in time, and suggested I see my GP.

It’s now six months since my husband died. Although life is still not easy, I’m starting to cope better. The grief is no longer so overwhelming.

Thank you for being there, Deidre.

DEIDRE SAYS: Grieving is a long process – and it is never easy. But as you’re learning, you can find ways to live with it.

I wish you all the best for the future.