“I would give up everything for a dinner with my wife and kids” – that is what a young widower might repeat after the loss of his loved one. Losing a lifetime partner and becoming engaged in single parenthood is one of the most complicated challenges in life. Most of us think that a widower is that elderly gray-haired man. However, among us, there are also many young widowers. Let us explore the difficulties they need to face every single day.
Young Widowers Often Face Depression
Although the death of a spouse is devastating regardless of gender, widowers, particularly single dads, have additional challenges. Women are more likely than males to care for children, operate the household, and look after the home.
This is true not just for married couples who follow the patriarchal family paradigm. Even in a partnership, the position of young widowers who suddenly need to take full care of the house and children is a significant difficulty.
Depression is likely to become a significant problem among many young widowers, especially if they become single dads. To understand the significance of such issues, let us share a true example.
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A Widower and a Single Dad Altogether
Peter lost his wife in his early 30s and is now taking care of his 8-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son. Not only has he lost his beloved wife but the situation has also affected his children. Before that, Peter had been focused on providing for the family, while his wife was a stay-at-home mom.
His wife suffered from breast cancer for two years, and during that time Peter was doing everything he could to save her. Even though the prognosis was bad, he could never imagine the challenges in front of him. Now, he realizes how many responsibilities his wife had regarding the house and the kids.
The death of a loved one is never easy, and so was the case for Peter. He does not recall the first few weeks after the funeral. Thanks to close friends, he decided to start therapy, since the first signs of depression were already visible.
It has already been over a year since his wife’s passing. Peter has left his truck driver’s job to pursue an office career and be closer to home. His in-laws stay with the children when he is at work. Based on his therapy, he takes each day at a time, step by step recovering from the tragic past. The children are what keep Peter in better shape because he now transfers all his love only to them.
How Can Young Widowers Cope With the Death of a Spouse?
Some say time can heal all wounds, yet is it true when it comes to young widowers? Losing a loved one in your 20s or 30s is a challenging problem. Nobody can truly prepare themselves for being left alone in this world. Especially, when the death of your spouse is sudden and unexpected.
Fortunately, there are many ways young widowers can try to cope with such a loss. First of all, opening up to the help of friends and family is the best way to start. In many cases, therapy can also work magic assisting a widower with his problems. It is important to understand that you do not have to face anything on your own. Be ready to accept and appreciate other people’s guidance and assistance.
Grief can take a lot of time. Do not force it. Focus on the now and expect a brighter future to come.
