Coping with Grief during COVID-19
People usually think of grief happening from the loss of a loved one. But grief can happen from any major change or loss. Grief can be experienced as feelings of shock, sadness, anger, and confusion. Grief can make people feel overwhelmed, lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, sleep less or more, or have changes in their appetite. These are normal responses to loss or change.
During COVID-19, many people may be experiencing grief because of the loss of their way of life before the closures and social distancing regulations. People can even feel grief for plans that have been delayed or canceled. These changes may seem less important compared to the loss of life, but the reality is that life suddenly doesn’t feel normal anymore. This is a big change and many people are grieving.
Below is a list of some things that you can do to help get through the grief:
Be kind to yourself and others. Find ways to connect as much as possible. Remember, we will get through this together.
Losing a Loved One during COVID-19
Grief during COVID-19 is more difficult because we aren’t able physically be there for one another as we deal with the emotions. Feelings of sadness are normal after the death of a loved one, but During COVID-19, there is the additional challenge of social distancing regulations, and even quarantine, that prevent us from attending the service.
Traditions of grieving together and holding a funeral or memorial are helpful in processing the thoughts and emotions that come from such experiences. We are not able to share grief in ways that we have in the past. It can be helpful to find other ways of supporting one another during COVID-19.
Below are some suggestions that may help:
These suggestions cannot replace the traditions of mourning together, but in such unprecedented times, we must search for solutions in any form possible.
Sources:
https://www.apa.org/topics/grief
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2691160/
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/coping-after-disaster-trauma
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/grief