How Introverts Survive Loneliness After the Passing of a Partner

How Introverts Survive Loneliness After the Passing of a Partner

 Death can feel impossible to come to terms with for the best of us. But, when you identify as an introvert, this process can feel ten times harder. As an introvert, it’s hard to express your emotions. Unlike extroverts, it’s not as easy to open up about your thoughts and feelings and this makes dealing with the loss of a loved one incredibly complex. Losing a significant other is especially distressing as this is the person you most likely shared your life with. For introverts, the passing of their partner spells the loss of their safety blanket: a constant force in their life that they could be unapologetically themselves with.

 While visiting their grave or placing their cremation urn somewhere special may offer you some solace, you need to establish solid strategies that will help you combat against the overwhelming loneliness.

 1.  Discover A Creative Outlet

Escape into a world of creativity. The arts offer the perfect outlet for you to express your emotions without having to verbalize anything. Taking up a hobby like drawing or painting will allow you to process your grief in a healthy way. 

 Maybe consider signing up for a cooking or art class, as this will provide you with an opportunity to be social without actually having to be social! Joining a class with a specific task or activity will allow you to talk as little or as much as you desire. For example, if you’re attending a class where you paint a set image, you can choose to solely focus on your canvas, without worrying about engaging with everyone else yet still benefit from the comfort of company.

 2.  Find A Small Group

Having a number of people constantly sending you condolences can be draining, especially if you’re introverted. But it’s important not to completely isolate yourself from the outside world. When you’re ready, try to seek out smaller gatherings or arrange one-on-one meetings. These intimate interactions will allow you to embrace the benefits of socializing without overwhelming over-stimulation.

 If you feel up to it, consider joining a grief support group. There is a good chance that there are others out there who are experiencing the same feelings as you. Grief groups help members discuss real issues involved with loss, which may be difficult to do with your normal social circle.

 Choosing to talk through your emotions with fellow grievers will not only offer you support but also provide you with a space to openly express yourself without social expectations or fear of judgment. If attending a support group in-person is too overwhelming or challenging there are also online groups you can join through Facebook and other social platforms.

 3.  Go On Walks

Yes, as an introvert you most likely draw your energy from being alone but this doesn’t mean you need to stay inside. When you experience loss, it’s natural to want to hide yourself away from the world. But, when you step out from this isolating environment you will forcibly remove yourself from the thoughts that accompany your grief.

The simple act of walking around your neighborhood or on a trail will have enormous benefits for your emotional and physical health. Some of these benefits include decreasing stress, promoting creativity, and increasing your energy levels. You don’t have to speak to anyone while you walk, just a simple smile to a stranger will fill you with a dose of social interaction.

 4. Get A Pet

Of course, this option isn’t going to be practical for everyone, and getting a pet shouldn’t be an impulse first-choice to help deal with pain. But, having a pet in your life will do wonders for feelings of depression and loneliness. It may sound simple, but just having a pet to care for will get you the strength and reason to get yourself out of bed in the morning.

 Playing with your pet in the backyard or taking them to the local park can be emotionally fulfilling as it is something you can look forward too. Not only this, a furry friend is a source of great comfort and support as they’re always there for a hug and cuddle.

 5.  Practice Self-care

The grieving process can really zap the energy from you. This fact is especially true if you’re an introvert. Since your emotions are in a chaotic freefall, it’s hard to focus on taking care of yourself. Even if your opportunities to fully recharge seem limited, it’s important to find some time for yourself. Take care of your mind and body by remembering to eat well, sleep and exercise, if you can manage it.

 Allowing yourself to heal is the key step in rebuilding your self-confidence. When it comes to grief, there is no set limit, so at first, just focus on yourself. If you give yourself some time and space to feel re-centered then tackling the outer world won’t feel so overbearing.

 6.   Do Things That Make You Feel Good

When you lose someone you love, it can be hard to picture a time where you feel happy again. To give yourself a chance to heal it’s important to challenge your mindset and push yourself to continue with your normal routine. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should anything drastic but think about the little things that make you happy.

 Maybe try picking up an old sport you used to enjoy, visit your favorite museum or art gallery, or go out to the cinemas. While this option may not offer long-term relief, it will give you the opportunity to take a break from everything.

7.  Get Help

If your feelings of sadness and grief become too much for you to handle, it’s best to seek help from a professional. Talking through your grief will help provide you with tools and strategies to cope with your situation. There are a variety of outlets available both in-person or online.

 There is no right or wrong way to navigate the loss of a partner. Your grieving process is a unique and individual experience. Take your time and move forward one step at a time. Give yourself a chance to accept your feelings and reach a point where you will be able to express your feelings and reconnect with the world around you.

 ****Written for Meridian Counselingby Nat Juchems.

Author’s Bio:

 Nat Juchems is the Marketing Director at Green Meadow Memorials, Nat helps those grieving the loss of a loved find the right memorial to cherish.

 Before becoming the Marketing Director at Green Meadow Memorials, Nat worked for six years in the memorials ecommerce industry as a Marketing Director and Ecommerce Director, using his skill set to manage powerful paid search and organic search campaigns as well as implement merchandising strategies and manage the software development teams that made everything work.