Grief, lockdown and coping mechanisms – a few words from one of our clients.

Since I lost my husband to suicide last October, after 52 years of marriage, it was really hard to imagine life without him after being such a big part of my life. Regular support from the Tomorrow Project has been a big help and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Life since lockdown had been difficult at first but I have discovered ways of coping through doing different projects.  I started gardening, painting the garden fence and shed, pressure washing the drive and paths and writing long overdue letters to distant friends and family, which helped me get back on track.  I have also spent time improving the Arbour in my garden.  I have added lights and other touches and is now a peaceful place I can remember and reflect on the life me and my husband had together. Being in lockdown is difficult after a loss, especially as I have a heart condition and other health issues which makes me high risk to Coronavirus, which has meant I was not able to see my family face-to-face for weeks. However, keeping focus on the positive things such as speaking to them on the phone or by video call has helped.  We have also started doing a family Zoom quiz which is fun and gets all the family together.  I have also just started re-painting the garden gnomes in my garden and painting a metal butterfly at the side of my house.  Hopefully, these positives activities will see me through the rest of lockdown.