The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives in a multitude of ways. Having to cope with social isolation, ongoing worry, uncertainty, and a change in our daily routines has prompted many people to feel angry, depressed, and anxious, as well as many other emotions. If living through the Coronavirus wasn’t hard enough, for those dealing with the loss of a loved one, this time can be particularly difficult.
Whether you’ve lost a friend, family member, or even an acquaintance, the inability to gather and mourn can make it difficult to process the grief you are feeling. If you or someone you know is suffering from a loss and is finding it difficult to perform daily tasks, find comfort in social support, and are just unable to cope, grief and bereavement support can help. At Blair Wellness Group of Beverly Hills, clients can openly share their feelings, acknowledge their emotions, and find meaning in their grief.
Identifying Grief
Grief is a normal part of life and a natural response to loss. Although most commonly associated with death or dying, a loss can also be tied to the loss of a job, relationship, or even social support. When you think about loss and grief in this context, most people are experiencing some kind of loss during the pandemic.
The first step toward healing is to identify your grief. As odd as it may sound, some people may be grieving the loss of routine, work environment, the ability to gather with friends and family, or even being able to take a vacation. However, without acknowledging and embracing grief, it will only prolong the process of healing, adapting, and recovering.
Coping With the Loss of a Loved One During COVID-19
Grief is always difficult, but for those who have lost a loved one during the pandemic, the social distancing requirements of COVID-19 have made it even more complicated. Social traditions such as a funeral service, memorial, or celebration of life are just a few examples of how we honor people that have been lost and they’re essential to the grieving process. Since the Coronavirus has prevented most social gatherings, it can leave those who are mourning to feel angry, sad, and unable to move on.
If you have lost a loved one during COVID, there are some things you can do to cope with your feelings even if you’re not able to attend a formal ceremony.
- Connect with other people through conference calls, social media, emails, phone, video chat, or other socially-distanced means.
- Seek support. Even if you can’t attend a support group, religious ceremony, or social function in person, there are now many virtual or online options available.
- Do something to honor the deceased. An act of remembrance can help you to remember your loved one in a positive way and find solace. Consider creating a virtual memory book, planting a tree, or any other activity that has significance to you.
Get Grief and Bereavement Support At Blair Wellness Group
People cope with loss in different ways, and it is a journey that is unique to each person. If you’re finding it difficult to express your emotions or if you’re feeling profound sadness that impacts your daily life and keeps you from keeping up with basic responsibilities and tasks, seeking grief and bereavement support from a licensed clinical psychologist can help you progress in the healing process.
At Blair Wellness Group of Beverly Hills, Dr. Cassidy Blair can help you cope with your loss and find meaning during this most difficult time. Contact us at 310.999.4996 to schedule an in-person, telephone, or virtual teletherapy meeting.
