Dealing with grief and loss 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our daily lives and routines, generating uncertainty and anxiety. It is especially challenging if someone you loved has died during the pandemic, whether or not their death was a result of COVID-19.

One factor that has contributed to emotional challenges is going through loss and grieving during a pandemic

 

Grieving is a highly individual experience; there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. How you grieve depends on many factors, including your personality and coping style, your life experience, your faith, and how significant the loss was to you.

Inevitably, the grieving process takes time. Healing happens gradually; it can’t be forced or hurried and there is no “normal” timetable for grieving. Some people start to feel better in weeks or months. For others, the grieving process is measured in years. Whatever your grief experience, it’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold. There are usually five stages of grief:

  1. Denial: “This can’t be happening to me.”

  2. Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”

  3. Bargaining: “Make this not happen, and in return I will ____.”

  4. Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.”

  5. Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what happened.”

If you are experiencing any of these emotions following a loss, it may help to know that your reaction is natural and that you’ll heal in time. However, not everyone who grieves goes through all of these stages and that’s okay. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to go through each stage in order to heal.

Making plans helps us feel more in control

  • Make a 'to-do' list of tasks that you will need to complete when the restrictions ease

  • Plan a memorial event or service for your loved one if you weren't able to during the pandemic

  • Consider attending a support group for bereaved families who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Consider Professional Bereavement Counselling

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