Facing Valentine's Day — In Love and Alone

By Paula Harris

EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH FOR WIDOWS

Widowhood is challenging at any time of year, but holidays tend to make hard times even harder. Romantic holidays such as Valentine's Day can be particularly challenging for widows, as they serve as a reminder of the great loss these women have experienced.

Like the candy heart says, "it's complicated." One day you might feel back to your old self and optimistic about the future and the next you might find yourself in a fog, unable to get up. If you're a widow experiencing a season of grief, here are some things to keep in mind this holiday.

Grief has no timeframe
This part is really hard to accept, but the truth is that everyone grieves at their own pace. If you're a grieving widow, it's especially important to focus on yourself and your own experience, instead of getting caught up in others' experiences. While it might be helpful to connect with other widows who are able to understand what you're going through and the pain you are experiencing, rem…