Coping With Loneliness After Someone Dies

Coping With Loneliness After Someone Dies.pdf

Download PDF • 131KB

Practical ideas for easing isolation and rebuilding connection after loss

​After losing someone close, the silence they leave behind can feel unbearable. You may miss their voice, routines, and the simple presence of another person nearby.

Loneliness is one of the hardest parts of grief, but there are gentle ways to make the days feel less empty and more connected.

• Acknowledge the loneliness

  • Feeling lonely after a loss doesn’t mean you’re weak or dependent — it shows how important that relationship was. Allow yourself to recognise the space that person filled in your life rather than trying to hide it. Naming loneliness is the first step toward easing it.

• Keep small daily contact with others

  • You don’t need deep conversations or constant company. Simple gestures help — a short phone call, a message, a brief chat with a neighbour, or saying hello while out walking. Small interactions remind you that you are still part of the world around you.

• Hold on to comforting routines

  • Doing familiar things — making tea, reading the paper, going for a walk — provides stability. Keeping small rituals, even when done alone, can help life feel more structured and less empty.

• Bring your loved one’s memory into daily life

  • You can stay connected through acts of remembrance: cooking their favourite meal, playing a song they enjoyed, or lighting a candle. These small gestures acknowledge your bond and allow love to remain part of your day.

• Explore new forms of connection

  • When you’re ready, consider joining a local group, class, or volunteer activity — especially those that welcome older adults or people who have been bereaved. Shared interests can ease isolation without pressure to talk about loss.

• Balance solitude and contact

  • Quiet time can help you reflect, but too much isolation can deepen sadness. Try to plan at least one small contact each day, even if it’s brief. Gentle connection supports emotional healing.

• Look after your surroundings

  • A peaceful home environment — light, warmth, and order — can ease loneliness. Soft music, photos, or meaningful objects can bring comfort when the house feels too quiet.

• Reflection questions

  • When do I feel loneliness most strongly during the day?

  • Who could I reach out to for brief, friendly contact?

  • What helps me feel connected to others or to the person I’ve lost?

• If loneliness becomes overwhelming

  • If you find yourself withdrawing from all contact or feeling hopeless about the future, speak with your GP or a counsellor. Support can help you rebuild confidence and find new sources of companionship.

• You’re not alone

  • Many people feel deep loneliness after bereavement, especially when routines change. With time, small connections, and patient self-care, it’s possible to feel part of life again while keeping the memory of your loved one close.

If you’d like to explore how professional support can help with emotional wellbeing in later life, click to visit the Counselling for Older People page.