EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH FOR WIDOWS
As we know, widowhood is not a straightforward path. There are twists and turns, ups and downs, and we can sometimes hit a repeating loop. It can feel empty or overwhelming, or a jumble of both and more.
Recently, I spoke with a new widow who was faced with finding a repairman. She was angry, anxious, and wanted to cry all at once. She said what she really wanted to do was go back to bed or zone out on her phone. I told her it was okay to do either. We need inactive time to help process our grief. Lately, I’ve become even more aware of that truth as I faced my own repeating loop.
COVID hit soon after my husband Mark was diagnosed, so we spent his illness and decline mostly alone. After he passed, I spent the better part of 1-1/2 years isolated. Then after I started going back into the office, I was hit with vertigo and couldn’t drive for about 6 months — so, more solo-time.
I’ve known for years that I need to take breaks away from people to “cocoon,”…
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