A spouse who has provided a deep and profound love for many years is irreplaceable. Lifelong partners who have shared the joys and challenges of a long marriage grieve deeply after the death of a spouse. Although there are no substitutes for love, ways exist to help adjust after losing a spouse.
Grieve Properly
Process emotions. It is important to recognize grief. Acknowledge sadness and know it is acceptable to share emotions. Embrace grief and share it with a trusted loved one. There is no one rule with grief. Avoid insinuations of the “right” way to recover from the death of a spouse. Do not, however, turn to alcohol, isolation, or reckless behavior.Ways to Cope
Seek Therapy if overwhelmed. Therapy helps identify coping mechanisms as these professionals are trained in navigating the grief process. Never Forget the person you are grieving. Use the power of grief to continue life while honoring your partner. There are numerous ways to keep one’s memory and connection alive:- Write a letter- Compose a letter to your spouse. This may help to work through unresolved feelings while feeling as if you are talking with them.
- Keep photographs and Mementoes- Photographs and mementos of the person you miss are valuable. Favorite memories allow one to move forward while still enjoying past moments.