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SURVIVING THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE
Beyond the romanticism of Romeo and Juliet, lies
a serious issue in the simultaneous deaths of married couples. Many elderly
individuals are at a 20 percent higher risk of dying within a year of
their spouse’s death, according to a study published in the New
England Journal of Medicine.
Bereavement leading to psychological stress and the devastation of the
severance of a deep-rooted connection are key factors contributing to the simultaneous deaths of elderly couples. It is vital to
the human
survival of many widows and widowers to effectively realize and cope
with the death
of their soul mates.
The initial three months after the death of a lifelong
companion are the most important. In fact, a
study published in the
American Sociological Review reports the risk of
a remaining spouse’s death
within the first month increases
by 62 percent for women and 52 percent for men.
During the first year, it is imperative to surround the widowed spouse
with the company of those
who care and show concern for them. Living
in isolation can lead to depression; to avoid serious
mental health
issues, Marriage and Family Therapists suggest going outside, exercising,
keeping a regular schedule and joining a support group. Also, it is equally important
for the widowed to fully
express their emotions. Crying and feeling angry, guilty, humiliated, confused
and lonely are
common reactions to loss and critical to letting go and moving on.
Seeking professional help can assist a loved one through the loss
of a spouse. For some individuals,
the adjustment to a new life without a spouse is unbearable. A Marriage
and Family Therapist can
help the newly widowed decide when it’s time to clear out the closets
and drawers and provide
support as they make major decisions for the first time alone.
It is not easy to lose the one person who journeyed through a lifetime
of experience and memories,
but is very important to continue living life by enjoying the company
of family and friends. For further information on how to cope with the death of a spouse or to find
a Marriage and Family Therapist,
visit www.TherapistFinder.com.
About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT),
with 27 chapters throughout
the state, is an independent professional organization, representing
the interests of licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. CAMFT provides www.TherapistFinder.com as
a resource to prospective
patients looking for Marriage and Family Therapists located in
California. For more information
about CAMFT, please call (858) 292-2638 or visit www.camft.org or www.TherapistFinder.com.
Media Contact: Tricia Whittemore
Porter Novelli
Phone: (619) 687-7018 or (603) 219-6088
E-mail: tricia.whittemore@porternovelli.com
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