Dealing with grief and loss resulting from losing a loved one, going through health issues, divorce, separation, or the loss of a job can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. Many people experience a multitude of emotions and thoughts that can create a great sense of discomfort, such as intense loneliness, feeling vulnerable, self-doubt and overthinking, a compulsion to find things that remind them of their loved one or loss of something, feeling emotionally numb and dissociative, and a sense of giving up on life and enjoyment. Counsellors have an essential job in helping individuals navigate and deal effectively with their grief and loss, allowing clients to have the opportunity to explore and acknowledge emotions and thoughts that may be hindering them from moving forward in life. Often, individuals may feel “stuck” in their grieving process, making a counsellor helpful since they can help point out patterns and problematic negative thoughts and beliefs that may prevent them from moving forward and continuing their journey to healing.
In addition to the emotional pain of loss, loneliness is often an overlooked component of grief and can have significant impacts on one’s well-being. A recent study shows that loneliness and self-isolating may result in mortality risks similar to smoking, alcohol consumption, and being sedentary for long periods (Taylor et al., 2023). Loneliness and social isolation also show an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and elevated anxiety and depression symptoms (Taylor et al., 2023). Practicing mindfulness and seeking support from friends, family, and qualified mental health professionals, such as a counsellor, is essential in managing and mitigating the effects of loneliness. Our counsellor at Straight Path Counselling is equipped with the necessary knowledge, tools, and understanding to help you overcome severe loneliness, providing resources and skills that will allow you to feel whole and a sense of belonging.
Loneliness is often overlooked when dealing with grief, but it can be just as painful as the loss itself. Being mindful of how severe your loneliness is and taking steps to address it is essential. Forming close relationships with friends and family can help combat severe loneliness and provide a safe and supportive space for you to share your feelings and thoughts. Seeking support from a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) can also provide one-on-one assistance to help you heal and navigate your grief, offering useful tools and techniques to manage negative thoughts and emotions and give a clearer sense of direction for moving forward. Additionally, they can help individuals connect with other professionals, community resources, and groups, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Loneliness resulting from the loss of a loved one can have a profound impact on one’s mental and emotional well-being. It is important to acknowledge the severity of loneliness and take steps to address it. Having a social support system of family, friends, and qualified health professionals like a counsellor can help you through your grieving process and prevent isolation.
Something to consider is how helpful it is to keep a connection to the loved one who has passed away while accepting the reality of their death; some ways may include visiting their grave or memorial site, celebrating special occasions, doing something in their honour, such as planting a tree, creating art, and using their story to help others going through similar losses. Maintaining a connection to the loved one who has passed away is an important aspect of the grieving process. Creating a new relationship with the departed while acknowledging the reality of their death can be a meaningful and healing practice.
Taking care of yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically is crucial during your time of grief. Being mindful of your thoughts and feelings and working through them, as well as staying active and spending time in nature, are important for healing. Practicing mindfulness and utilizing techniques such as journaling can aid in processing emotions. Engaging in physical activities, such as nature walks, yoga/stretching, and exercising can provide a grounding and calming effect. Finding activities and places that bring you a sense of safety and comfort will help calm your nervous system and assist you on your healing journey. Finding solace in personal spaces and activities, such as enjoying a quiet moment with a warm beverage and a good book, can promote a sense of security and calmness.
Finally, examine your thoughts and beliefs to see if they are helping you move forward or hindering you from healing. Changing negative thoughts to positive ones can help you move forward in a positive direction. An example of a negative thought or belief that may hinder someone from healing from a loss would be “I feel guilty for enjoying life again and should not find happiness without my loved one”. The underlying belief in this thought is that finding enjoyment in life and moving forward is dishonouring the loved one, causing a guilty feeling. Using the reframing technique, this thought can be altered into a positive thought that extinguishes guilt and shame for being happy in life. Fostering an optimistic outlook and a stronger sense of self is instrumental in moving forward from grief. By challenging negative beliefs and cultivating positive outlooks, individuals can take meaningful steps toward healing and personal growth.
Start your conversation and book a session with a counsellor to work through grief and loss.
You can also follow Straight Path Counselling on Facebook and Instagram!
References
Taylor, H. O., Cudjoe, T. K. M., & Lim, M. H. (2023). The state of loneliness and social isolation research: Current knowledge and future directions. BMC Public Health 23(1049). https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-15967-3
