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I need some perspective on this

8 replies

ICantCarryThisToo · 16/03/2025 10:24

Long story short. My husband collapsed suddenly a few years ago in the house. I found him. He was dying. Exhibiting agonal breathing, if anyone knows what that is. Basically not genuine breathing, but an automatic response of a dying brain. Because of the way he fell he was wedged tight in the room I found him, and I couldn't move him. So in a panic I sent my daughter to fetch a male neighbour to help me try and move him. He couldn't help either. The paramedics got him moved when they arrived. They tried everything but he was already gone. Hugely traumatic for us all. Neighbour is now off work sick, fairly long term but recent with anxiety and depression, partly due to what happened, other circumstances too. Neighbour told me this, and told me work therapist told him to tell people, including me. Of course I apologised, and feel dreadful about it. I perhaps should not have asked for help. I'm quite distressed and a bit angry with the therapist because would they not understand the further burden that puts on me being told that like that? I understand too that that is a selfish thought on my part, but it just feels like another level of guilt and worry to carry along with my grief. I'm struggling already, and this has added to it.

OP posts:
mumofoneAlonebutokay · 16/03/2025 11:18

I think that him telling you was weird - what are you meant to do with that?

I'm very sorry for your loss. You are not to blame for him going off sick, in any way.

At any time in life, you can witness or become part of someone's passing. Thats part of being an adult.

You did the right thing

I hope that you are getting the help you need for you and dd. That's the only thing you should worry about.

This neighbour is weird. If I were him, my focus would be on how you're coping. I would say anything but if i did, it would be very gently.

Take care, op and I'm very sorry for your loss. ❤️

BarneyRonson · 16/03/2025 11:32

We were called in to next door to help lift the elderly gent that had fallen. It was very difficult but we were pleased to offer support because it could happen to any of us.

Your neighbour has your event as one of his extenuating factors. That isn’t necessarily a blame thing, so much as a ‘fact of life’ thing. What you did was normal.

Him telling you isn’t great but it isn’t terrible either. It’s just a fact of life.

ICantCarryThisToo · 16/03/2025 12:02

Thank you both xx

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Bakedpotatoes · 16/03/2025 12:09

You've done nothing wrong - you just wanted help. I witnessed something similar and it did impact me significantly but I wouldn't ever dream of telling the family, why would you? Yes it's traumatising I'm sure for all involved but that's why you go to therapy.

Please don't carry the guilt for the neighbour, it's not yours to carry.

Onelifeonly · 16/03/2025 12:14

I can't see why the therapist told him to tell you. That feels like he's blaming you. Life happens. Fine, he's traumatised but he needs to deal with that without involving you. You did what came to mind in the heat of the moment. I'd be glad to help a neighbour in similar circumstances, and I'm sure most decent people would. I'm sorry this has happened to you.

tsmainsqueeze · 16/03/2025 12:28

I am sorry for you loss .
I think the therapist was completely wrong saying this ,what did they think your neighbour would gain in telling you ,what about you ,it's obvious telling you would likely cause you upset too.
Do we all need to ignore any one asking for help in similar situations just in case we may get anxiety in the future ,do we walk past ,turn away when someone needs help on the worst day ,worst trauma of their life ?
What kind of society would we be without the daily acts of kindness,help,bravery and heroism shown to each other?
You did what you needed to do that day the same thing your neighbour would likely have done if he were in the same boat, you absolutely are not to blame for his problems.

ICantCarryThisToo · 16/03/2025 13:12

I think it was terribly misjudged of the therapist. Not something, were it me, I would ever tell someone.

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ICantCarryThisToo · 17/03/2025 08:02

Thank you everyone for your replies, they have really helped me a lot ❤️

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