Dear Annie: My relationship with my mother has been deeply strained since my grandmother’s death five years ago. My mother and I were her primary caregivers, and I loved my grandmother dearly.

After she passed, I endured severe verbal and emotional abuse from my mother’s brother, who has a history of anger issues and domestic violence. Despite this, my mother has never acknowledged the harm I experienced or supported me.

Since then, I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety and avoid all family gatherings where her brother is present. This has led to me feeling excluded from family events, which only deepens the pain. What hurts most is my mother’s lack of support; it has shattered my view of our family.

Am I being too dramatic? Is there a way to repair my relationship with my mother? — Hurt Daughter

Dear Hurt Daughter: I’m sorry for the loss of your grandmother. She sounded like an amazing woman. It is beautiful that three generations of women were able to all take care of each other in different ways.

Please be gentle with yourself. You are not being too dramatic; you are listening to your body and honoring your feelings, which is always a good idea.

Feeling unsafe around your uncle is completely valid, and choosing to protect your well-being by avoiding situations where he is present is a healthy and courageous decision.

Dear Annie: Regarding “Lost at Potato Creek,” who lost his wife suddenly to cancer, no one can truly understand what he is going through except those who have experienced it themselves. When I lost “Molly,” my grief was overwhelming; I was crying a dozen times a day for months. My daughter summed it up best: “The grief does not go away; we just get stronger.”

Here’s some advice that might help someone navigate this process and build that strength:

No. 1: Recognize that healing starts with you. You are the only one who can help yourself move through deep grief. It’s a journey, but you have the power to take the first steps.

No. 2: Seek grief counseling. Hospice grief counseling can be incredibly helpful. I waited several months before attending, and I wish I had gone sooner.

No. 3: Read helpful resources. I highly recommend “Widower to Widower” by Fred Colby. It provides valuable insights and statistics, including advice about remarriage and recognizing where you are in the grief process.

No. 4: Volunteer. Giving back can be both healing and rewarding. I began taking my dog, Teddy, to Moffitt Cancer Center every Thursday. It became one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life and even helped me connect with others, including widows and staff.

No. 5: Try dating when ready, but with the right mindset. Consider going on dating platforms not to replace your late spouse but to find someone who can add to your life. After five years, I met my current girlfriend (a widow) who understands that loving my late wife doesn’t mean I can’t love someone new. This is so important; be cautious of anyone who expects you to erase your past love.

Grief is a unique journey for everyone, but these steps helped me. I hope they can bring some guidance and comfort to others facing this profound loss.

Dear Grieving: Thank you for your letter. I hope it helps others in similar situations know they are not alone and there are support systems that really do help.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now. Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Go to http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.