Healing After Loss: Emotional Support for Seniors
Coping with loss is never easy, but for seniors in Lincolnton, NC, it can feel like an overwhelming weight that never lets up. According to an article in the medical journal Current Psychiatry Reports, 7% of older adults in the U.S. experience prolonged grief, a painful condition where the sorrow persists and interferes with daily life.
Though grief can feel heavy at times, it doesn't have to define your everyday. There are steps you can take to find comfort, regain a sense of purpose, and feel like yourself again.
In this guide, we'll explore practical ways of healing after loss, from creating supportive routines to staying connected with others. These small but powerful steps can make a big difference in bringing relief and peace to your life.
Why Healing After Loss Can Be Especially Hard for Seniors
Grief can be especially hard for seniors for a few key reasons. As we grow older, we often experience the loss of many people close to us. Each loss adds weight to our hearts, making the grief feel compounding.
Over the years, and with each one, it can feel like a part of your support system is being pulled away. But for many seniors, grief doesn't stop at losing a friend or a loved one.
For many, the decrease in independence or declining health can feel like a huge loss, too. As we age, physical changes make it harder to do the things we once took for granted. And losing your independence, even in small ways, can usher in a sense of grief that feels different from losing a loved one but is just as real.
The Importance of Emotional Support When Coping With Grief
Emotional support is key to healing after loss as it helps you feel seen and understood in your time of need. Grief is tough to carry alone, and having people around you can make a big difference.
When grieving, it's easy to fall into isolation, where you don't feel like talking to anyone. But reaching out to friends or family can help you process what you're going through.
It's okay to lean on people you trust. They can offer comfort and remind you that you're not alone.
However, sometimes, a close friend or family member isn't enough. And you may need someone better trained to help. If your grief is getting in the way of your daily life, it may be time to talk to a therapist.
A therapist can offer support and help you better understand your feelings. Moreover, they can give you tools to cope with the challenges of grief in between sessions. If you're not sure when to seek professional help, consider how you're feeling:
- Is grief affecting your sleep?
- Have your eating habits significantly changed?
- Are you struggling to get out of bed?
If grief is impacting your ability to take care of yourself, it's time to seek help. A mental health professional for healthy aging can help you process your emotions in ways you may not know how.
Supportive Routines for Life After Loss
Creating supportive routines can help you regain a sense of control during a difficult time. Especially given the way grief takes a toll on emotional wellness in aging adults.
Dr. Slavich from UCLA explains that when you lose someone you've been with for a long time, your body and brain go into high alert to protect you from perceived social danger. This response often affects your sleep the most.
So much so that a Sleep Medicine study found that people who experienced chronic insomnia after the loss of a loved one were more likely to experience prolonged grief.
But not just that. It also found that insomnia and grief go hand-in-hand. When sleep problems improve, grief symptoms often improve as well.
Conversely, sleep difficulties can make grief more intense and long-lasting. That's why establishing healthy sleep routines is a key part of healing.
In addition to sleep, incorporating gentle physical activity is another important part of your routine. Even a short walk or light stretching can help lift your mood and boost your energy levels.
Physical activity has been shown to improve both sleep and overall emotional health. So, aim for small, manageable tasks that you can do each day.
Lastly, engaging in hobbies or social activities also helps rebuild a sense of purpose. Whether it's gardening or working on a project you enjoy, these activities provide moments of calm and joy. They also give your mind a break from grief, making space for you to reconnect with things that make you feel good.
Group Grief Support for Seniors in Lincolnton, NC
In Lincolnton, there are several local groups offering compassionate spaces to share, listen, and heal together.
GriefShare at Boger City Baptist Church offers a 13-week program that combines video lessons with group discussions. It's designed to help you process grief in a supportive, faith-based setting -- though you don't have to be religious to join.
You can also check out VIA Health Partners - Spousal/Significant Other Loss Group. This monthly group is for those grieving the loss of a spouse or significant other. It offers a space to connect with others facing similar losses.
If you prefer online support, The Compassionate Friends offers virtual grief support groups and live chats, providing a comforting environment to express emotions through each phase of the grieving process. This is perfect if you're looking to receive support in the privacy of your own home.
Healing Happens In Community
While healing after loss takes time, you can get through it with daily routines and a strong, supportive environment.
At TerraBella Lincolnton, we understand how important it is to feel connected during this time. Our community offers a warm, neighborly environment right in the heart of Lincolnton. And we're just minutes from downtown and close to Atrium Health Lincoln, making it easy to stay active and supported.
So if you're looking for a community where you can heal at your own pace and connect with others who care, we invite you to come visit us. Book a tour to walk our grounds and see what it feels like to live in a space built for comfort and community.