Tips To Help You Deal With The Death Of A Spouse

The death of a spouse is often deeply personal and causes a lot of emotional pain for the surviving individual. Dealing with the mixed emotions that naturally occur as a result of losing someone with whom you were so close is something that will take a long time, possibly years to heal. If you are going through this type of pain, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that your anger and grief are natural parts of the healing process. The loss of a spouse does not have to mean that your life is over.

One of the first things you should do after losing your spouse is create a support network of people you love and who care deeply for you. For many people, this means relatives and close friends who know you and whom you can trust. If you do not have any family in the area where you are located, you can also seek out some type of support group. These groups are made up of other people who are having a similar experience with grief that you are going through and can be a tremendous help when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Communication is a critical component of dealing with the grief that comes from losing a spouse. You need to gather with your support network regularly to discuss your emotions and feelings. Some people will try and clam up after a tragic loss, thinking that if they bury how they feel, it will all go away. This is not a healthy way to deal with your pain and anger. Eventually these emotions will come out and, if not dealt with as they arise, can lead to unhealthy emotional explosions. Share your feelings as they occur and find ways to express yourself that will help you heal.

It is important that you realize that you will not feel better overnight. It may take months or years before you truly start to feel better. Do not be hard on yourself during this time; it is okay if it takes a long time to heal and to sort out your emotions. If you were in the process of changing careers or jobs, postpone the move so that you can make the adjustments to your lifestyle that are needed to cope with your loss. Purchase a sympathy gift for yourself that will commemorate the love you have for your spouse and that will have a comforting message on it to remind you of the good memories you shared with that person.

By: Renee Wood, MSW

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Renee Wood founded The Comfort Company in 2000. She is a social worker that has helped families deal with the loss or pending loss of a child, as well as aiding patients in the end-stage of renal failure. The gifts provided by The Comfort Company offer memorial ideas as well as hope for healing hearts.