Reasons you may be isolating

It is common for introverts to enjoy solitude and spend a lot of time alone. If you are an introvert, as a bereaved parent, you will realize that you may be spending a lot more time alone than before.

I have talked to a lot of bereaved parents and realized that all of them have increased their alone time, mostly due to these reasons:

1. You need a lot of time to self-regulate and recharge. As someone who is going through the grieving process, you will need a lot more time to self-regulate and recharge your batteries. It is no secret that the grieving journey brings a lot of stress, both to your body and mind. You may find yourself oversleeping, wanting to enjoy your own free time, and just being alone and trying to recover. This is completely normal, and even advisable to do. I would also recommend to disappear from an online world for at least 6 months - here's why. 

2. You have lost interest in a lot of things you once loved and practiced with others. You may have a hard time finding joy in many things you once loved. A grieving journey will make you feel like you are in the freeze state, not being able to complete your life as you want or should. Be patient and gentle to yourself and give yourself as much time as needed. There's no need to hurry - the only important thing is that you take care of yourself now. 

3. You have lost trust in many people. It may also happen that you don't want to hang around with other people because you have lost trust in them, or in people in general. You may get a pet if you want - a dog can be a truly therapeutically friend. 

4. You have developed GAD. 

We have also written a lot about anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder. That may be another reason why you are self-isolating more than usual. If you want to hang around with other but anxiety stops you, learn what to know before your first psychotherapy - it can truly help you overcome this problem, especially if you have developed social anxiety. 

5. You feel like no one truly understands what you are going through. You are better by yourself and on your own because you feel tired of explaining to others what you are going through and what you feel. You are isolating because you are sick and tired of all those questions coming from random people and from all those bad words that should be comforting, or at least in their heads.

If you want to connect to other bereaved parents who can understand you, please feel free to join our forum. 

Take care!