Grief & Loneliness
Grief can be a terribly isolating experience. In part because the grieving person may feel that no one understands what they are going through. And in some ways, they are right. While grief is a universal experience, everyone experiences it, and a communal experience- we have collective grief, it is also very personal experience.
I was reading some of my notes on the surgeon general’s office report on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation and how important social connection is to our health.
The National Institutes of Health state, “Social isolation is objectively having few social relationships, social roles, group memberships, and infrequent social interaction But loneliness is a bit different. Loneliness is defined as a distressing feeling that accompanies the perception that one's social needs are not being met by the quantity or especially the quality of one's social relationships.” Both, loneliness and social isolation, impact or mental, emotional and physical health and can even shorten our lifespan by about 25%.
So a few questions for reflection:
What are some ways that you’ve been able to establish and maintain or nurture social connection?
Are you feeling disconnected?
Now, of course, I’m always in favor or speaking with a licensed mental health professional. And I also know there are other ways that may be supportive and healing if you do not go that route. Maybe it’s a chaplain, or like myself a doula (birth, grief and death) or maybe its a spiritual director. Maybe its a friend… I don’t know the best route for you, but I know there is help available. And there’s no shame is needed help.
On The Ratchet Grief Project™ Podcast, we are cultivating space for real people and real stories and learning some healing ways to care for ourselves and others as we navigate grief. If you want to learn more, have a story to share or if there are some topics you’d like for us to explore, email me at DrJamie@TheRatchetGriefProject.org
