Social relationships can be hard even in the best of times, but when grief and loss are involved, those relationships can seem even harder. The thought of being asked questions, people needing things from us, or even wearing presentable clothes can be exhausting before we walk out the door. However, even if all of this may be true for you, those relationships are still important for us to start healing. The American Psychological Association acknowledges that community is important for healing and for walking on our grief journeys (Grief: Coping with the loss of your loved one, 2020).
So, this spring, as the weather starts to warm up and the sun stays out a little longer, maybe you’re struggling with loneliness or isolation and wishing someone would reach out to you. Instead of waiting, try reaching out to someone you trust and feel good with to perhaps go on a walk with you, or invite them to watch a movie with you so you don’t even have to talk. Try to find a way to fill your real need for the community, starting in small doses, to begin that healing process for you.
- American Psychological Association. (2020, January 1). Grief: Coping with the loss of your loved one. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/
families/grief