Grief is a complex response to loss – and the emotions that come with it often leads to loneliness even when surrounded by people.
Our experienced care team at Farenga Funeral Home has walked alongside many Queens and Astoria families grappling with loneliness, sorrow, and despair. Maybe you can relate on a personal level. It could be you’re feeling the absence of a loved one who died, especially if you used to spend a lot of time with them. It’s a void that cannot be filled by anyone else. Perhaps the events of the last year left you especially isolated and you felt you had nowhere to turn. Even if you’re only alone for a moment, grief can leave you feeling distraught about the emotions you’re experienced. So, what can you do when you find yourself struggling with loneliness and grief at the same time?
We at Farenga Funeral Home always remind our neighbors in Queens and Greater Astoria dealing with grief to remember this: Even if you feel alone, help and comfort are only a phone call away. Call on your support system to find a connection with a friend, family member, or neighbor. If you’re able, scheduling regular calls with someone you trust can be helpful, as it gives you something to look forward to along with more regular external support. And as we always say, our caring team is always available to offer assistance, direct you toward resources, or even offer a listening ear when you need it most.
If you find yourself feeling lonely but also recognize that you need time to yourself to process your emotions, consider these simple activities to help on your journey toward healing: Take a walk
Spending time in nature is a great way to re-center yourself. Any form of exercise can be therapeutic but walking in particular can help you “get out of your head.” Going for a walk surrounded by green space and open skies can be gentle, relaxing, and calming.
- Prayer and Meditation
Prayer and meditation can decrease anxiety and uncertainty about the future. No matter your personal beliefs, it can be helpful to talk about your grief out loud, even when alone. For some, the same meditative feeling is provided by spending time in nature. For others, it takes the form of prayer. However, it looks for you, heightened mindfulness may help you make sense of the emotions you are experiencing.
- Arts and Crafts
Whether it’s going to an art museum to admire the beauty and creativity of others or creating something of your own – be it a painting, song, or photo collage – art can help you better understand yourself and release your emotions. Sometimes, artistic expression can help you access emotions that you are not able to put into words. The creative process can help you find comfort and solace, even without the company of another person.
- Write About Your Loved One
Picking up a pen and paper to express yourself can be a great way to work through some of your thoughts and feelings. Write about anything you’d like— this is an exercise specifically for you. If you don’t know where to start, here are some prompts to help you begin:
- My favorite memory of you is…
- I wish I got to tell you…
- What I miss the most…
- Something I learned from you is…
- I don’t understand why…
We recognize that there are no “easy fixes” for grief; nothing can hasten the process. However, these actions will help you continue on the road to healing.
As you walk through your grief, know that our compassionate staff is always here to support our neighbors in Astoria. Contact us at any time or visit our website for additional grief support resources.