Losing the will to live.Is there any scientific or medical proof that we can literally lose the will to live?

[MickyMacgraw]

I ask this question on the back of a story I heard from a friend that a mother lost her son to an overdose and a year later to the day she died of a broken heart. Have you heard any stories about a husband or wife dying and then soon after the other one does too? Is there a link or is it coincidence?

[woofgang]

My grandmother let go once she knew that we were all alright but she was in hospital and very ill anyway. My mother let go under terminal sedation once she knew we were by her bed.
I guess that the high stress might have an effect, also grieving, not eating properly and so on.

[ummmm]

I knew someone years back. He use to come into the pub every night for 3 pints before going home to his Mum and Dad. He must have been in his late 40's at the time. Really nice bloke but had never left home.

His Dad took sick and was taken into hospital. A few weeks later his Mother had a fall and was taken to a different hospital. He spent his time going from one hospital to another (small family) His father died....a few weeks later his Mother died....A few Months later he died.

So I think there is a link...

[lumination]

ive heard many about one partner dying then the other one going a couple of months after due to a broken heart

[jaydah]

Wills often express "if my spouse survives me after 30days". Maybe we're supposed to do sati ?

[MickyMacgraw]

So are the deaths usually from the process of grieving=depression=not eating=starvation?
Can we not just switch off till any neural activity declines and eventually ceases to exist?

[ummmm]

I don't know...after his parents died he started coming in the pub again. He looked OK....

[lumination]

i think thats pretty much it, i think that its down to that fact that your so sad you stop eating and stuff

[yogasun]

My uncle and aunt were absolutely devoted to one another. When my aunt died unexpectedly my uncle was distraught and within weeks developed 'heart trouble' even though before he was as fit as a fiddle. I still have letters from him saying 'I wish I could be with my beloved' He died within 6 months of her. The GP said that although there is no medical condition 'a broken heart', he was convionced that really was the cause of death.

[MickyMacgraw]

Its a very interesting subject, one that I've always meant to investigate but never got around to it till today.

[ummmm]

I think much depends on what support you have.

[MickyMacgraw]

That's a very valid point ummm. The ones surrounded by many family and friend maybe more unlikely to lose the will to live unlike the the couple who only have each other.

[sherrardk]

My father's aunt and uncle died in the same day. She died first (unexpectedly) and he died of a heart attack a couple if hours later. They were devoted to one another but neither had been unwell.

[PringlesQueen]

There is a medical condition called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (sometimes called broken heart syndrome). This in some cases can lead to unexpected death. More information can be found on Wikipedia here: http://en.wikipedia.o...otsubo_cardiomyopathy

[ummmm]

EDDIE....my Grandad calls my Nan 'Nan' but her name is Nancy...so he took the easy option as he doesn't even know what my name is until he wants a cup of tea...

On a serious note....My Nans not well. He's fitter than he should be..! I worry that if anything happens to her...he'll follow. They've been married 60 years. I've had him longer than I've had my Dad :-(

Micky....if I was alone when my Uncle died and from then watch my father die...I think I would have curled up and given up. I have a big family though...who picked me up and propped me up until I got (somewhat) better...

[barb1314]

Yes,when I was about 15 my great grandmother died and my great grandfather died a week later.He was fit and healthy,just broken hearted.All my family felt Pops had literally lost the will to live.They had been married over 60 years.Very sad and I'm convinced it's not just a coincidence.

[MickyMacgraw]

Wow the evidence seems overwhelming.
Apologies to anyone if I brought up any bad memories.

[wildwood]

I don't usually pay credence to 'old wife tales' but a 'broken heart' is a valid description of someone who has lived with a partner for a long time and then suddenly find her/im self alone, and is so distraught that their health suffers. These souls are elderly so under stress quickly succumb to any age related and other ailments.

I was intrigued when watching a doco about conjoined toddler twins which were given therapy when separated, no doubt for the same reason.

[chattykathy]

My friend's brother in law died aged 86 and his wife cried for 3 days and then died! :-(
They had been married for 60 years! How sad is that!