The Journey Through Grief
In my childhood, I witnessed the profound support that bereaved individuals received—a warmth that stands in stark contrast to the present age. Neighbors, friends, and families would gather around those who had lost someone dear, offering solace during life’s most challenging moments.
Families lived closely together, caring for one another and creating a tapestry of support where loneliness had little room to grow. However, today, the landscape has shifted. Many people engage more with social media than one another, leading to a noticeable decline in interpersonal relationships. A study by Beller and Wagner (2018) highlights the connection between loneliness and social isolation—the greater the loneliness, the higher the mortality rate.
Loneliness often affects those who grieve, particularly individuals who have lost a spouse. Research shows that this loneliness can prolong grief and contribute to both physical and mental health challenges (Eisma & Buyukcan-Tetik, 2024). I often hear questions such as, “Why can’t I move on?” or “How long will my grief last?” Others express feelings like, “I see her/him all over the house; she/he is everywhere,” or “I miss her/him!” Each person’s journey through grief is unique, and the timeline is unpredictable. It’s important to recognize that missing your loved ones and cherishing the memories of your time together is entirely normal.
A crucial starting point for many is the courageous expression of their emotions and feelings. At Bayo Counselling Services, we offer a safe and supportive environment, inviting you to honour your grief as you take each step toward healing.
There are several strategies you can embrace during challenging times like these, including listening to yourself, gradually engaging in social interactions, journaling, finding a new hobby, therapy, joining a support group, and more. There is no one-size-fits-all method, that’s why we embrace a client-centered and individualized approach.
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References
Beller, J., & Wagner, A. (2018). Loneliness, social isolation, their synergistic interaction, and mortality. Health Psychology, 37(9), 808.
Eisma, M. C., & Buyukcan-Tetik, A. (2024). Prolonged Grief Symptoms Predict Social and Emotional Loneliness and Depression Symptoms. Behavior Therapy.