Strategies for Grieving a Loss During a Pandemic
Grieving is never an easy thing, but it’s definitely a healthy thing. This pandemic has changed the way of life for so many people. So, it’s no surprise that it has also changed the way you might have to grieve.
Keep in mind that grief can be the result of any kind of loss. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has killed thousands of people, and if you know someone who has passed due to the illness, you might find yourself mourning for them. Conversely, grief can also occur if you’ve lost your job due to the Coronavirus, or if you’ve lost relationships or had to cancel plans.
The stages of grief don’t change due to a pandemic. But, it might take some creativity to allow yourself to grieve properly, and in a healthy way.
With that in mind, let’s look at some strategies you can use to get through the grief process during a pandemic.
Know What to Expect
It’s hard to know what to expect when you experience any kind of loss. But during a pandemic when everything is so uncertain, it can be even harder. If you’re experiencing the loss of a loved one, for example, you may not be able to go through some of the traditional processes that will allow you to grieve.
Many people have had to deal with the passing of someone without a funeral or memorial service. If someone is sick or dying, you might not be able to visit them in the hospital. You may not even be able to gather with family and friends as a way of getting support.
All of these factors can make grieving harder. But if you understand what to expect ahead of time, you can try to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Acceptance is a big part of the grieving process, even if you have to accept the harsh reality of not being able to grieve “normally.”
Stay Connected While Apart
One of the best things you can do when you’re grieving is to stay connected with people you care about. That might feel difficult right now if you’re trying to stay socially distanced or if you have family members that you haven’t been able to see during the pandemic.
Thankfully, technology has made it easier than ever to keep in touch with people. While you may not be able to see them in person, it’s important to reach out as much as possible.
If you’re struggling within the stages of grief, such as anger, anxiety, or depression, talking to someone who cares about you can help. Use resources like FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype to talk to your loved ones face-to-face. They can offer you support. And if they’re going through the same grief, you can be there as their support system too.
Talk To a Counselor
Whether you’re struggling with the loss of someone you love, a job, a relationship, or are simply grieving the loss of time and plans you had made, you don’t have to go through it alone.
If you’re feeling lost and unsure of how to grieve in a healthy way, contact a therapist or counselor for help. Even throughout this pandemic, many counselors are offering telehealth services. So no matter where you are in the world, you can connect with someone who can help you through each stage of grief.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways to make grieving through a pandemic easier. Instead, it’s about getting through the process in a healthy and effective way, rather than turning toward unhealthy ways of coping.
The American Psychology Association created a video with more information about grief during the pandemic, watch below
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If you’re dealing with a loss of any kind, feel free to contact me. Together, we can work through the grieving process, even in these times of uncertainty.