Our Social Health & Grief

The loss of a loved one often extends to the loss of friendships particularly for bereaved spouses/partners and parents. The dynamics of these relationships are forever changed. Sometimes, we are surprised how others may not include us in activities and get-togethers anymore.

This happens for a number of reasons including:

• People may not know how to be with us. Their own discomfort and lack of grief knowledge gets in the way.

• We often separate ourselves as well. It is hard to stay connected. Grief can be overwhelmingly exhausting. Trying to find comfort from others who can't "get it" at a time where we really want them to is discouraging and isolating. This is especially painful in early grief which is considered the first 2 years of grief (give or take depending on an individual's circumstance).

This is not to say that some of us don't have supportive and attentive friends who still include us. But, either way, we will benefit from the nurturing, guidance, and true understanding from those who have their own grief experiences. And this option is available for all of us! There are many support groups (in communities and online) where we can make these connections. We need to be willing to place ourselves in healing spaces.