How to Deal With Losing Your Mate

Losing a mate can challenge you in a variety of ways. The emotional implications of losing your life partner might result in overwhelming grief or shock, sadness, depression, feelings of loss, helplessness and a host of other emotions. Your financial status might suffer. You might ask "Why?" of God or another higher power and struggle with your faith. Your relationships with other couples may change as you might be the only single person in a group of friends. But you can deal with losing your mate by following several steps.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize that you need time to process your grief. According to Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss psychologist who studied death and dying, the grieving individual will go through five stages. Although these stages -- shock, denial, anger, depression and acceptance -- may vary according to religious and cultural expectations, give yourself time to move through each phase. Cry when you need to release your emotions.

• 2

  Take care of yourself physically. Eat balanced meals and get enough sleep. Exercise to help reduce stress. In addition, physical exertion will aid you in your ability to rest and help you with your appetite.

• 3

  Keep a journal. This will help you process your feelings and track your progress on your journey toward healing. You may have days where you feel as though you take two steps forward and one step back. A journal will allow you to see that you are moving forward overall, even on hard days. You might want to use your journal to write one or more letters to your mate to address any unresolved feelings.

• 4

  Seek solace in your faith if this applies to you. Spiritual support can bring comfort and strength during times of grief.

• 5

  Enjoy the rituals of things you love, such as looking at photographs, spending time with family members, enjoying nature and listening to music. Familiar routines will comfort you during this transitional time.

• 6

  Attend a support group to find others who are dealing with loss as well. You will find encouragement as you realize you are not alone in the grieving process.