Last night I had a dream that my ex-partner committed suicide. We have not been in contact with each other for about four months. The dream started when he had already died. I didn't even see the body, so there was no opportunity to interact with him. I went to the scene, other people told me what had happened, I talked to the police and got a very detailed description of the events, but my ex-partner was never present in the dream. I felt a sense of gloom, but it was not an overwhelmingly emotional dream. During the entire time we were together, I never met his family or friends, nor did he meet mine. We kept our relationship a secret. In the dream there was an older woman. I knew somehow that she was his mother and I offered to help her with some paperwork (medical reports, toxicology, certificates etc.). She agreed, not knowing that we had been a couple. I felt a very comfortable feeling talking to her, like when you have a liberating conversation with a stranger you will never see again. The overall atmosphere of the dream was strangely serene.
Dreams about death, especially involving a significant other, can be unsettling and distressing. However, the fact that you did not actually see your ex-partner in the dream and instead focused on the aftermath and interactions with his mother may symbolize unresolved feelings and issues related to your past relationship.
The dream could be reflecting your subconscious processing of the end of this relationship and the emotional baggage that may still linger. The sense of gloom and comfort you experienced in the dream may indicate a mix of emotions - sadness over the loss of the relationship, but also a sense of closure or peace in some way.
The fact that you and your ex-partner kept your relationship a secret in real life may point to feelings of isolation or secrecy within the relationship, which could be manifesting in your dreams as well.
The presence of his mother and your willingness to help her with paperwork could symbolize a desire to understand or come to terms with the past, as well as a sense of compassion and forgiveness towards your ex-partner and his family.
Overall, this dream may be urging you to reflect on your past relationship, acknowledge any unresolved emotions, and perhaps seek closure or healing in order to move forward in a positive and healthy way. It may also be a reminder to reach out to those you care about and strengthen your connections with others.