My best friend, who was half my age, died last month. He was a steroid abuser for 16 years (bodybuilder). Because he looked so healthy, and was so young, his death was a tremendous shock. Granted, I knew the steroids would eventually catch up with him, but still…I didn’t think it would happen this soon.
He was so full of life, it’s hard to imagine that he suddenly stopped living. It has shaken me to the core, and made me confront my own mortality. I still can’t believe it. It seems so unreal, and makes me wonder, what’s the point? If I could have given him some years from my life, I would have.
We were friends at first, but then it evolved into more of a paternal thing, because of the age difference. It’s almost like I have lost a son. It has left me adrift. I have no idea how to handle this.
I’m seeing a grief therapist, but between sessions, I go up and down. Mostly down. I am trying to find a way forward. I’m having a really hard time moving on. Suggestions?
Comments
Advices for stuff like that is tough because people grief differently and to different extents. But expressing that grief could be a step in the right direction. My condolences and my advice would be to give yourself time to reflect and grief and not rush it. Get in contact with his family to maybe see if they want to talk or need any help.
for me its time man, had a friend overdose about 4 years ago. still hurts to think about it sometimes.
For me, I needed time and to talk to someone about it
Can’t say I’ve been in your shoes exactly to understand what you’re feeling, but I can try to imagine as I lost a friend I considered an older brother.
Take enough time to yourself and take it easy on yourself with all this, all those emotions you’re going through is completely normal given the circumstances around this. There is absolutely no time frame for bereavement and you have all the time to yourself to come to terms with the loss. If you need to have a breakdown have one anyway and let the emotions flow through you. I’m sorry for your loss. I ultimately suck at comforting people but honestly you’re doing really well. Everyone goes through grief differently so don’t question yourself about it.