Losing a husband, or a wife, is a devastating occurrence in one’s life regardless if it was sudden or was caused by an illness. One morning you wake up a wife of a loving husband and the next you’re single and grieving. It will definitely be overwhelming since you’ll be caught up with intense emotions and drastic lifestyle changes that come with the death of a husband. As a widow, grief, support, loss are the main things to look for, and below are tips that you can follow.
Remember to Go Easy on Yourself
After losing a husband, or any loved one, there will never be the perfect or even right way to feel and cope since we are all different. There are numerous factors that play a part in a person’s reaction like how the spouse died, how happy or long the entire marriage was, how dependent the spouses were towards each other, and how old the children are if there are any.
You’ll like to feel anxious, numb, brokenhearted, shocked, or a mix of all these. Some may feel guilty because they’re alive or some relief that their partner isn’t feeling any pain anymore if they were ill for a long time. There are times that you’ll feel anger towards them for leaving you. Crying is normal, you may cry a river or not cry at all; the best way to grieve is up to you.
Expect family and friends who are at a loss for the right thing to say, those that comfort you with ‘it’s part of life’ and other clich?s as well as those who may avoid you. The talk of death makes some people uncomfortable, even the most well-meaning ones but it doesn’t mean that they don’t care.
Don’t Neglect Your Physical Health
Grieving takes a physical toll on the body as well as one’s emotions and mental health. The most common results are a lack of appetite and difficulty in sleeping. Even if it sounds like such a chore, don’t neglect your physical health; continue eating well, exercise, and sleep at regular times. Don’t drown your sorrows in alcohol because it will only worsen the pain.
Seek Support You’re Comfortable With
The period right after losing a husband, the coping stage is filled with loneliness, loss, and confusion and it’s not wrong to feel depressed. Losing a husband is often associated with a higher risk of a handful of varying psychiatric disorders.
A number of studies show that the lack of much needed social support after any kind of loss is a trigger for depression. Taking this into account, it’s crucial for one to reach out to loved ones or people who will understand for help. Even though you want nothing more than to turn inward, it’s better to look for support from friends, family, counselors, religious communities, and so on.
Becoming a member of support groups alongside others who are also grieving brings a sense of comfort. Healthcare providers, local hospitals, and therapists can refer you to relevant support groups. A quick online search can also provide you a list of various bereavement groups.