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Widowhood After 50: Coping With Loss And Loneliness
April 28, 2019 | Life | By Amanda Johnson
Becoming a widow is probably one of the most terrible things that a wife can ever face in her life. This becomes even worse when it happens after 50 or when you are a senior. Are you facing widowhood and happen to be over 50 years? Although the loss will remain irreparable, browse below for ways to coping with the loss and loneliness.
Reach Out To Loved Ones
Women deal with their loss and loneliness in a different way than men do. For instance, they are able to open up about their loss far more easily than men. So, if you haven’t been in touch with your extended family then now is the time to reach out to them. Family being your closes touch point will help you to get over the loss.
Seek Professional Help
Sometimes just being with support groups is not enough to get over that feeling of loss and loneliness. Maybe you need cognitive behavioral therapy to help you to overcome the sadness and negativity that you are currently surrounded with. Professional guidance provides reliable solutions rather than taking anti-depressants with adverse side effects.
Attend Socially Interactive Classes
When a wife loses a husband after the many years of togetherness, her social life goes down and for some, it stops totally. This is because a lot of women have their lives revolving around their husband’s. Hence the passing away creates a lonely vacuum that suddenly engulfs her life. Confidence is severely impacted needing you to attend socially interactive classes to help rekindle social interaction. Some great examples include book reading, choir sessions, dancing, yoga, meditation, expert talk on motivation and happiness etc.
Don’t Answer Questions Avoid Socially Inquisitive People
You will find that many being inquisitive at a sensitive time for you and your family. You may not know them but would want to reach out to you with all kinds of questions or help. At an emotional moment the talk about your loss may wander over to incessant questions. Here’s where you would need to have a friend or even your children attend them.
Smile More Often
Tough as it may be, you need to smile. Be it for your family, children or friends that look up to you. Stand right in front of the mirror and do it if the need arises. Slowly you will find that you are able to do it much better. Start going out with friends to spend some happy time and divert your mind. Choose places with lots of people – cafes, restaurants, clubs or even holidays – as all this will help you heal. But when the tears come, don’t pretend that all is fine let it all out and start feeling better.
Write A Journal
Women are very good with words when it comes to expressing emotion. So, even if you have never written before, you must consider starting a journal entry on your feelings. It will act as a catharsis and a few years later when you leaf back and read them you will be amazed to know about the strength that you have garnered. Writing during bedtime can also act as “medicine” and help you sleep better.
Date Only When You Are Ready
Attempts at vulnerability are common and you would be better taking a decision with your own interest in mind. It is advisable to hold firm so there aren’t any regrets later. Rather tread down that path cautiously and move forward only when you are ready to. And if you do come across a man who gives you the love that you are craving for, don’t hold back thinking what family will say or that you are cheating on your husband. Remember that he would always want you to be happy.
When you are widowed its natural to be shattered and everything around you seems crumbling down. However, your personal strength will need to take over for the family, friends and future. Slowly start to get a hold of yourself and begin living and believing in yourself.
