The death of a partner is one of the most stressful events that a person can experience. Especially after a long marriage, the loss of a spouse can turn the world upside down, so that everything suddenly seems unfamiliar and nothing makes sense. Being alone after a life time of being half of a couple can be terrifying. Life may be empty and hopeless, with little point in going on alone, or in doing things when there is no longer a beloved spouse to share them with.