According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 7 to 10% of bereaved adults will experience persistent symptoms of prolonged grief disorder. The risk of prolonged grief is greater if the loss happens suddenly or under traumatic circumstances.
While traumatic grief can be overwhelming for many seniors, you don't have to navigate your loss alone. There are resources available that can help you throughout this process.
Unsure of where to start? Read on for effective strategies for coping with traumatic grief.
After experiencing a sudden loss, grief counseling can give you a safe space. You can process the complex emotions you're experiencing among people who understand.
Consider working with a therapist to understand and navigate the natural stages of grief. A professional can provide you with coping strategies, such as:
According to the National Library of Medicine, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a preferred treatment for disturbed grief. Strategies that target excessive self-blame and avoidance are particularly beneficial. Using emotional regulation tools can help you navigate sudden loss grief.
Your local senior living community can direct you further. Explore their grief counseling resources to seek help.
According to diamond memorial company Eterneva, a majority of Americans are grieving. Nearly 60% have experienced a major loss in the last three years. Within that, 45% of deaths were not anticipated.
Emotional healing after loss can feel like a lonely process. However, there are many people who understand what you're going through.
While friends and family members can offer support, they're likely grieving, too. They may hesitate to mention your loved one by name or talk directly about their loss. Consider building an additional support system outside friends and family members.
Lean on a support system as you learn how to navigate and heal from grief. You can find a support group through:
Listen to their experiences with loss and traumatic grief. Ask what coping strategies helped them heal to begin your own journey.
Symptoms of prolonged grief disorder can include:
If these symptoms sound familiar, try prioritizing self-care. Here are a few tips that can make emotional healing after loss easier.
Grief can impact your mental and physical health. Take care of yourself by:
You may lose interest in cooking and eating after losing a loved one, especially if you regularly enjoyed meals together. Try to make regular mealtime plans with friends and family members. Turning meals into a social event can reduce your risk of isolation.
Otherwise, social isolation can cause:
If you're struggling to take care of yourself, consider moving into a senior living community. Their dining and exercise programs can improve your mental and physical health. Staying healthy can make navigating the complex emotions of sudden loss grief easier.
Turn to activities that bring you comfort and joy. These may include:
Engaging in productive social activities can help you maintain your well-being. These activities can benefit your mind, body, and spirit.
Benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle include:
In fact, feeling happier and healthier can improve your ability to bounce back from difficult situations, including grief. Explore your senior living community's events calendar for upcoming activities. You can have fun alongside new friends, improving your ability to navigate complex emotions.
Everyone mourns in different ways. It's normal to experience a rollercoaster of different emotions. You may have good days and bad days.
Try to remain patient with yourself. If you're struggling, reach out for help. You don't have to navigate the complexities of senior bereavement alone.
If you and your loved one participated in social events together, you may find socializing alone overwhelming. Go at your own pace. There's no rush.
It can help you make the first move. Plan a small social gathering to reconnect with friends.
Start with low-stress, informal outings. For example, you can go for a walk, have coffee, or watch a movie together.
Build yourself up to participate in group events. You can volunteer, visit your senior living community, or attend a potluck. These events will encourage you to stay connected with friends and loved ones.
Try to build meaningful relationships with new friends. Developing a well-rounded support system can help you navigate a sudden loss.
After losing a partner or spouse, you may struggle to take care of yourself and your home. For example, perhaps you and your partner split household tasks.
Consider joining a senior living community. You can build a support system, gain help, and feel safe, even after a loss.
A sudden, traumatic loss can turn your life upside down. Instead of navigating traumatic grief alone, apply these strategies. Remember, there are resources that can help.
Consider joining a senior living community like Addington Place of Des Moines. We offer spacious and inviting living spaces, resident-focused amenities, and engaging activities.
Make the most of your golden years. Contact us now to schedule your tour!