The loss of a spouse, whether it comes suddenly or after a protracted illness, is devastating.
You can be married one day and grieving or distraught the next.
It's natural to wonder how you'll manage to make it through such a devastating setback.
There may be moments when you wonder whether you even have the strength or motivation to allow yourself to get the support for grief you need.
Grieving is about taking life one step at a time, and there are ways you can move on from the loss of your partner.
The first and most important aspect of learning to move on from the loss of your partner is allowing yourself to grieve.
Some people think they can skip that aspect of mourning; however, it's impossible.
If you don't grieve, it will be hard to move on.
Having a social life on your own might be tricky because after experiencing a loss, most people tend to retreat into themselves and stop being active.
However, when you start to see all the possibilities in front of you, you'll realize it's your opportunity to gain new experiences, meet new people and get more involved.
Plan activities and stay active; it will help you through your grief.
Some people are so focused on what will be that they forget about the moment they are living in.
It's easy to get swept up in mourning your partner that you forget you have a life, responsibilities, and those who love you.
You can learn to appreciate the present by letting go of your worries about the future without your partner.
Below are more details on how to move on from the loss of your partner.
Allow yourself to cry.
Your spouse has passed away.
It's normal to feel disoriented after experiencing such profound personal change.
Now comes the time for you to grieve, which is a painful but necessary process.
In order to recover, grieving must happen.
Also, grieve how you see fit.
No two people will react to grief the same way.
How you react to death depends on numerous factors.
Don't judge your own life by the standards of others.
To mourn at your own pace, take things one day at a time.
Gradually, you will learn to move on from the loss of your partner.
It's normal to feel down after a loss since the grieving process is so isolating and lonely.
While it's natural to want to isolate yourself, you will benefit more from reaching out to loved ones, friends, or your faith group.
Some research suggests that a major factor in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder following a sudden loss is an absence of social support.
Identify a group of individuals who care about you and are willing to help you through this difficult time.
Keep them around you, and don't try to push anyone away.
You can also consider joining a support group for others who are also grieving.
Most healthcare providers, therapists, and hospitals will be able to point you in the direction of such communities.
Online, there are a lot of support groups for those dealing with loss.
Remember, you are entitled to your feelings of sadness and the freedom to communicate or keep them to yourself, but that doesn't mean you don't need anyone.
It is crucial to ask for support from others around you when in need.
The death of a spouse is a major life event that may cause an individual to experience intense sadness.
Nonetheless, there are moments when the depth of your sorrow makes it impossible to go on with your own life.
Talking to a doctor or therapist about your emotions may help you find a treatment plan that will work for you.
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing problems with basic self-care tasks such as getting dressed or preparing meals.
Please don't feel that you have to bear this loss on your own.
Short-term counseling sessions with a trained professional might be helpful at times.
It's hard to adjust to single life after sharing your life with someone for so long.
Having regular obligations may be a comforting stabilizing factor for many individuals.
First of all, planning out your week in writing will go a long way
It's good to make the first move when it comes to planning stuff to do.
Try group activities, invite friends for a meal together, and consider casual trips like hikes, walks, picnics, or movies.
Find an activity you enjoy.
You may also consider creating meaningful connections with friends and family members of various ages.
Although losing a partner is a sad experience, it presents an excellent chance to expand your social circle.
It's important to get out of the home and do something that means something to you, so why not consider taking a class or doing some volunteer work?
It's not easy to get over the death of a loved one, especially a spouse.
When one spouse dies, the surviving partner must accept that their life will not unfold as planned.
The fear of the uncertainty of their future without their partner often weighs a lot of people down.
More often than not, this fear restricts their ability to move on because they will keep dwelling on what they have lost.
With guidance and help, people can learn to cope with the loss of their partner.
After you've had some time to regroup, you may start planning for the future.
Instead of lingering on your loss, try focusing on the positive, like the family you are surrounded with, upcoming trips, exciting plans with friends, or life itself.
There is no rule that says your life has to end after the death of a spouse.
Your spouse, who has passed on, would want you to find happiness and love again.
Anguish at a partner's passing is natural.
It is entirely up to the individual how long they choose to mourn the death of a spouse.
However, knowing what to anticipate and where to turn for support for grief may make the mourning process a bit easier.
Here are ways to move on from the loss of your partner; give yourself time to mourn the loss of your partner, embrace your loved ones all around you, consider seeking counseling, be active and make plans, and don't worry about what could happen.
https://www.joincake.com/blog/how-to-move-forward-after-becoming-a-widow/
https://www.verywellmind.com/coping-with-death-of-spouse-2301016
https://www.nextavenue.org/moving-beyond-grief-after-losing-spouse/
https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/moving-on-after-the-death-of-spouse/
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
Some signs that you may be ready to move on include feeling at peace with the breakup, no longer regularly thinking about your ex, and having a renewed sense of optimism. Ultimately, only you can decide when you're ready to start dating again or take other steps toward moving on.
Ignoring grief can exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging to manage over time. This can result in a negative impact on your personal, professional, and social life, leading to feelings of isolation, chronic sadness, and even physical health complications.
There is no set timeline for overcoming a breakup. Everyone deals with grief in their own way and on their own time. While some may be able to move forward quickly, others may take longer. Remember that it's normal to experience a range of emotions as you heal and don't rush the process.
If you find yourself having difficulty managing daily activities due to lingering feelings associated with grief such as sadness, anger, guilt or numbness; then it might be beneficial for you to seek professional help through our Colorado Springs Grief Counseling services. Our therapists are trained in helping clients identify their needs and goals related to grieving.
It is completely normal to feel dread or even fear when thinking about the upcoming holiday season. One way to ease your anxiety is by planning ahead and being prepared for how you will deal with tough moments. If there are certain events you know will be difficult, try to come up with an exit strategy beforehand so you can leave if needed. It can also be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor before the holidays to help you manage your expectations and emotions.
It can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is grieving, but sometimes simply being there for them and offering your support can be helpful. You might try saying something like, "I'm here for you if you need to talk" or "I'm sorry for your loss." You could also offer to help with practical tasks such as running errands or cooking meals.
