Coping With Loss In Isolation

Coping With Loss In Isolation

To say that we have all been having a tough year is an understatement. We are coping with a general level of pressure that our generation has simply not experienced before and we are right to be taking more time to be concerned about our emotional health. The loss of a loved one is one of the most mentally stressful events in our lives, and for it to happen when we’re more atomized and isolated than ever poses a real danger. So, what can we do to improve our chances of getting through it safely?

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Keep moving

It may seem like a relatively trivial response to something as deep as a loss. However, the benefits to your mood experienced by something as simple as going for a walk or getting half an hour of exercise are not to be underestimated. If you can get out of the house in doing so, it can help lift you out of the miasma of bad emotions you might currently be in.

Let yourself grieve (if you have to)

The aim of getting through a loss should not be to minimize your experience of “negative emotions.” It should be to ensure that you’re less likely to experience long-term emotional consequences such as depression and anxiety. As such, grieving is vital for your mental health. It allows you to go through the movements of processing the unfairness, the sadness, and the anger that can come with a loss. So long as you don’t express your grief in ways that cause harm to you or others, it can be a healthy kind of catharsis. That said, however, you do not have to force yourself through grieving experiences if you do not feel them naturally. We all cope with loss differently and there’s no timetable on grieving.

Get the practicalities taken care of ASAP

When you’re trying to get over the emotional side of losing a loved one, the practicalities of having to arrange a funeral can be quite a stressor. However, the longer they are left to linger, the worse it can be. Going through the steps of arranging a memorial, purchasing standing headstones for the cemetery, and so on can actually help you process some of the emotions of losing a loved one, as well. Of course, if you need help in arranging a funeral, be sure to ask for it.

Know if you (or someone you love) needs help

Even if you’re far removed from one another, you and your loved ones can talk together to help each other through the difficult emotions of a loss. Phone calls and video conferences can still keep us connected, but it’s important to take the step of actively reaching out, whether you need help or you’re concerned someone else does. If you feel like you’re dealing with emotions beyond the ability of your friends and family to help with, then online counseling may be worth looking into, too.

The tips above can help you get through loss, but everyone’s journey is different. Know when to reach out for real help.

DISCLAIMER: This post is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.