Losing a loved one in life is possibly one of the hardest things anyone ever will go through, especially when that loved one is a spouse. Grieving over a spouse is unavoidable. The process will take time, and possibly professional guidance and outside support. Do not hesitate to reach out for help after losing a spouse. It is important that you grieve with a healthy approach. After losing a spouse, consider joining a support group, reaching out for counseling, or simply choosing in a new hobby to participate in.
Support groups are a great way to deal with the loss of a spouse. A support group is a group of people who openly offer support to one another. Usually the members within the group are struggling with the same trial or tribulation. Participates of the group can share coping mechanisms, personal experiences, and provide sympathetic understanding with the other members within the group. There are two types of support groups, a self-help support group and a professionally operated support group.
A self-help support group is 100% operated by the members of group who are commonly volunteers who have personally experienced the topic of the group. Self-help support groups are usually free meetings that include people from the community with no commitment to show up again. A professionally operated support group is managed and ran by a professional. Discussions and activities are lead by the professional in hopes of the meetings being highly productive and to progress. Keep in mind that professionally operated support groups may have a fee or have a rate per meeting. Choose which group will be best for you while you grieve over losing a spouse. Check your local areas for different support groups that you believe might benefit you at this grieving time. Keep searching and attending different support groups until you find one that is right for you.
Another way to grieve after losing a spouse is to go to counseling. Having someone to talk to during this difficult time is crucial. Counselors are professionals who have masters and usually doctorate degrees that they have acquired. Talking to anyone after losing a spouse is beneficial, however, communicating with a professional who is trained and certified to help you is a smart decision. Reaching out for counseling allows you to really peel back layers and heal emotional wounds. There are also counselors who specialize to help people cope with grief and mourning after the death of a loved one. If counseling is something you are considering after losing a spouse, look into grief counselors if someone specific to the field will be best for you. Be cautioned that counseling can be expensive and rates will vary depending on the counselor. Most counselors will have a free consultation session. If this is the case, take advantage of this opportunity to find a counselor that understands you and your situation. It is important to connect with your counselor and agree with their beliefs and ideas. Do not be ashamed or afraid to seek out counseling after the traumatizing event of the death of a spouse.
Besides support groups and counseling there are other ways that may help you grieve after losing a spouse. A great way to keep your mind occupied is to start a new hobby. Hobbies that you may want to consider are yoga, sewing, reading, walking, bird watching, swimming, art, card games, or any activity that will help clear your head. Joining classes are beneficial because they will hold you accountable for attending and give you a set time to participate in the activity. Trial and error is the best way to find the right hobby for you at this time. Do not hesitate to try new things and open new doors.
No matter what route you choose to do after losing a spouse, do what is right and whatever works best for you. Everyone is different and will cope in different ways. Try to stay positive and stay busy after losing a spouse. Remember that this is a difficult time and it is more than understandable to reach out for help and seek guidance.
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Written by Jenna, a freelance writer for Udall Shumway & Associates, an abuse and malpractice legal firm specializing in the care of the elderly.