My aunt-in-law just lost her mother. She’s not someone who talks about her feelings. She just keeps going until she has a psychotic breakdown. I was able to get everything under normal conditions but messed up and now insomnia came back. If it lasts too long, I get sick and the other stuff goes to nothing. How do I be there for someone who is from a culture that doesn’t talk?
I’m going to make sure her teenagers keep up with their schoolwork, come over and clean, and occasionally cook for them. What more can I do without putting myself at risk? I’m acting guardian to my teen sister and not worried about her, but I can’t ask someone to take her in if I get sick. Also, the teen thinks it’s stupid of the thing I was actually planning to do for my aunt (which is more risky). I’m stupid. How do you help someone with grief?
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I think if we just keep each other accountable, and instead of tearing each other down just build everyone up.
Sometimes just asking what you can do to help is enough, letting her know you want to be there for her as much as you can be. Reaching out to her other connections might help, if she has any, ask them what they've been doing. And don't forget to give yourself as much care as you can, you're very strong for taking this on as well as caring for your sister, and grief can be a marathon.
Video call loved ones to talk with them. Or if you are like me and hate calls texting will do.
