How Do I Cope With Loneliness after the Death of a Loved One?
Coping with the loneliness following the death of a loved one is one of the most difficult things a person will have to deal with us. In her 1969 book, "On Death and Dying," Elisabeth Kubler-Ross identified five stages of griefs: denial, anger, bargaining and acceptance. This theory is significant in that it informed much of the writing on bereavement and other loss since its development. However, no two experiences are exactly alike, and there is no "right time" to have moved on from bereavement.
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Instructions
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Support
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1
Accept the comfort of friends. Accept the help and support of family members and friends. Console yourself with the knowledge of their kindness. Keep telephone numbers of a few chosen supportive people close to hand. If you want to talk to someone who is not closely involved, look up the number of a bereavement counseling service. Do not be embarrassed about consulting your physician if your feelings and thoughts seem out of your control.
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2
Talk to your loved one if this helps. It can be consoling and make you feel that the person is still close in some way. Write a journal of your feelings if this helps. Accept social invitations even if your first instinct is to refuse. You do need time on your own to grieve, but allow yourself to have some distractions.
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Look after your physical well-being. Make a point of eating regularly and doing exercise every day. Consider the possibility of spending time with a pet or even getting your own dog or cat, as for some people the responsibility of caring for a pet can give purpose to the day
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Tips & Warnings
Allow yourself the time to grieve; this is one thing which you cannot rush through.
Be aware that some friends will not know how to behave towards you. This does not mean that they are uncaring
References
- Photo Credit despair image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com hug me image by Suprijono Suharjoto from Fotolia.com
