The National Council on Aging reports that more than 21 million US adults suffer from depression every year.
Unfortunately, the risk of mental health conditions rises with age, and losing a loved one is among the major causes. Grief can also affect your ability to cope with other changes in your life and lead to anger and loneliness.
While everyone approaches healing from grief differently, you can leverage some proven strategies to improve your well-being. Let's discuss them to help you cope with loss.
Keeping your emotions bottled up can derail your healing journey. So, you should consider the following:
Grief counseling will help you work through challenging emotions. A counselor may suggest practical strategies to manage sadness and anxiety.
Besides, they can help you adjust to living without your loved one. They'll also provide a safe space to talk about emotions you may not be comfortable discussing with others close to you.
Grief is often isolating, but support groups will connect you with other seniors going through loss. When you attend these, you can share your experiences, discuss memories, and support each other. You can find support groups online if you aren't ready to share your feelings in person.
A heartfelt conversation with a family member, a neighbor, or a loved one can help you heal from loss. Share difficult feelings with someone you trust, and remember it's okay to cry and laugh about the memories you shared with whomever you lost.
When grieving, you may not have the energy or motivation to continue your daily routine. However, lying in bed or spending most of your day watching can affect your healing journey.
Stay active even when you aren't feeling it because it will eventually improve your mood and overall health. Start with gentle exercises to release stress and boost your energy level.
You can try things such as:
After losing a loved one, you may have trouble focusing. Consider the following activities to keep your mind active:
You could also write about your memories and feelings in a book or journal. Besides, express yourself with art activities like drawing, painting, and pottery.
Dealing with loss will likely make your everyday life feel overwhelming. However, you can create a sense of stability and normalcy when you have a routine. Create a simple schedule by setting achievable goals such as:
If you struggle to maintain your routine, ask a friend or neighbor in your Redding community to help. They can keep you company as you take your meals and accompany you during walks. They may also help you find new hobbies or recommend a book club to engage your mind.
Finding a personal and healthy way to process difficult emotions will simplify coping with loss. Make a gratitude list of all the things you are thankful for in your life. These may include being part of an engaging community or having loved ones to support you through senior bereavement.
When you list positive things in your life or the moments you're grateful you shared with your deceased loved one, you shift your focus from loss to appreciation.
Other healthy coping strategies to consider include:
Spiritual practices like meditation, mindfulness, and prayer can also bring comfort when grieving. They help in the following ways:
Grieving takes time, and your healing journey will differ from another person's. Be patient and surround yourself with people who help you find peace of mind. Try out whatever healthy strategy comforts you, and don't be afraid to explore new activities.
Moving to independent living in Redding can give you a fresh start if you're dealing with loss. These communities support your emotional well-being since you'll be in the company of other residents.
You can participate in fun activities and fight feelings of isolation and loneliness. Supportive community staff will also be compassionate when interacting with you and offer a helping hand when needed.
Senior living communities in Redding have many scheduled activities you can explore. These will allow you to create a structure in your everyday life.
Dining with other residents will also help you avoid skipping meals. Further, your community will offer healthy living programs so you can manage your physical health.
Other ways a senior living community can help you cope with loss include:
A sense of purpose provides meaningful engagement and shifts your focus from the loss you just suffered. When in a senior living community, you can engage in public projects and make a positive impact. You may also volunteer for charitable causes or mentor other residents and local youths.
By choosing independent living in Redding, CA, you'll surround yourself with warmth and companionship, allowing you to heal at your own pace.
Healing from grief requires patience and healthy living strategies. Manage sadness by sharing your feelings with a counselor or others in a similar situation.
Stay active by setting small daily goals and exploring fitness activities for seniors. Moreover, move to an independent living community to heal in a supportive environment.
Shasta Estates provides serene countryside living and supports an independent lifestyle with all-inclusive amenities. We have a beautiful outdoor space where you can connect with nature as you heal. Contact us to check out our community.