The widowhood effect.
Image by Neil. Moralee
The widowhood effect is the increase in the probability of a person dying during a relatively short period of time after their long-time spouse has died.
The pattern indicates a sharp increase in risk of death for the widower particularly, but not exclusively, in the three months after the death of their spouse. This process has also been called "dying of a broken heart".
Being widowed leads to an increased likelihood of developing severe mental disorder. This can be partially attributed to the unanticipated decisions widows have to make with regards to the death of their spouse. Responses of grief and bereavement due to the loss of a spouse increases vulnerability to psychological and physical illnesses.
Knowing you are not alone doesn’t seem to make it any easier. Life does seem to loose a purpose and the feeling of being surplus to requirements is not helped by retirement.
I can see why some widowers "just give up".
Where to go for support, and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief.
www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and…
Candid shot at the Mid Devon show 2022.
