Death is inevitable. By the time we reach adulthood, most will have experienced the loss of a friend, family member, pet, or someone we knew within our communities. The feelings associated with loss is often still present long after we attempt to adjust to a new way of life.
During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, also known as Cornovirus, it is very likely that many will experience loss directly or indirectly. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 12,000 U.S. deaths have been reported due to COVID-19. In addition to loss of a loved one, grief can be caused by many other life events such as loss of resources, loss of employment, physical separations from family, loss of normal activities and routines. It is very likely that we will all feel some form of loss due to this global crisis. Grief may look, feel, and sound different from person to person.
How can we manage the loss that may be experienced during this time?
- Allow yourself to mourn and acknowledge the emotions you feel.
- Reach out to others for support in sharing your thoughts and feelings
- Self-Care (e.g. eat balanced meals, exercise, maintain hygiene, meditation, attempt to maintain normal daily routines/activities)
- Seek professional help from a therapist: no loss is too small to have a trained therapist help you manage.
The length of time one may grieve varies. Prolonged grief or bereavement can impact your mental health, possibly leading to inability to complete daily functions and reduced quality of life. Although there is no certainty as to when the pandemic will end, it is never too soon to reach out for support to cope with the impact of COVID-19.