Her sense of the “self” is fragile

which had been off-loaded onto an external entity, in this case the husband, by her focusing on that entity in expense of her self-care.

Now, that entity is no longer there (to support that "self".)

That "self" needs a new home. But her own psyche is too feeble to receive.

 

Find a new external entity to nest that "self"? That may be an easier solution.

To rest that "self" on her own shoulders? That'd be ideal. Hope she can muster that courage.