There are many reasons why you may feel lonely following the loss of a loved one. When a loved one dies, a hole is left behind that no one else can fill.
There are many reasons why you may feel lonely following the loss of a loved one. When a loved one dies, a hole is left behind that no one else can fill. You will miss your loved one’s companionship, voice, or even their smell. Now that your loved one is gone, a piece of you is gone too.
Even though there may be others who are grieving with you and experiencing the same loss, your feelings of loneliness are unique. That is because your relationship with your loved one is unique. And your own social needs are also unique.
Here are some other common feelings associated with loneliness:
Feelings of isolation. Following the loss of a loved one it is common to want to be alone. It can be hard to socialize with others when you are grieving. Unfortunately, this can also lead to feelings of isolation, which can make you feel even lonelier.
Feelings of abandonment. It is also common to feel abandoned by your loved one. Grievers may feel left behind or deserted and ask questions like, "How could she have done this to me?” However, it is important to keep in mind that death is something that we can’t control and your loved one didn’t leave you on purpose.
Feeling alone in a crowd. One thing you may notice is how you can feel lonely, even if you are in a group of people. While you are grieving, everyone else is going on with their own lives. Feeling so different from everyone else can make you feel lonely.
The loneliness of grief is difficult to solve. But one thing to know about loneliness is that you can break out of it. When you are ready, reach out to those around you. Accepting help and love from those around you does not mean that you are forgetting your loved one.
Share your feelings with a trusted friend or family member. If you don’t have a friend or family member to talk to, consider joining a grief support group or talking to a counselor or therapist. Know that you do not have to travel on your grief journey alone.
