There is nothing worse in life than losing your partner. No matter what age this happens or how long you have been together, it will turn your world upside down and change your life forever. While it will be something that stays with you for life, it is possible to rebuild and be happy again. This first year is the hardest, so this post will guide you through the emotional and practical challenges so that you can survive the first 12 months. Keep reading to find out more.
Taking it One Day at a Time: Managing the Early Stages of Grief
The early stages of grief can be incredibly difficult to manage. It is natural to experience a wide range of emotions during this time, including shock, disbelief, despair, anger, and exhaustion (often all on one day). Emotional waves can make daily life hard during this time, so you need to be easy on yourself and establish gentle routines.
You should also accept any help that is offered to you by loved ones to make your daily life easier, as well as lean on family and friends for emotional support. Seeking professional grief support can also be useful for support and learning coping mechanisms that can help in this early stage.
Handling Practical Matters with Compassion & Support
When grieving the loss of your partner, the last thing you want to do is handle practical matters. While these can undoubtedly cause stress, some people find it helpful to have practical tasks to focus on during this time. This can involve tasks like handling estate affairs, managing finances, and understanding probate in the UK. This can be a stressful and confusing time, so it is a good idea to seek professional guidance in the form of probate solicitors. They will be able to guide you through the process to ensure everything is above board. Remember that going through these processes is not about moving on but rather about creating stability in your life.
Finding Emotional Healing & Hope Throughout the Year
The first year is all about surviving, finding emotional healing, and small moments of hope. There are a few useful supportive strategies that can be helpful in the first year, such as joining bereavement groups, therapy, and rediscovering small joys. You could also create new traditions that help, such as lighting a candle and thinking of your partner on their birthday. Remember that healing is not linear, and there will be both good and bad days. You want to find the right balance of remembering and honoring your partner while gradually embracing life again.
It is never going to be an easy process when you lose your partner, but hopefully this post will make the first year a little easier to manage and help you start to rebuild.