Dealing with grief is always a difficult process, but for those whose grief was impacted by COVID, it can become even more overwhelming. From losing loved ones to navigating social distancing, the pandemic disrupted almost every aspect of the grieving process. In this article, we aim to offer some coping mechanisms and advice for those who found it hard to navigate grief during the pandemic and after.
1. Allow yourself to grieve: The first step towards coping with grief is to accept that it is okay to feel the way you do. Losing a loved one or facing changes often evokes intense emotions that need to be addressed. Allow yourself to feel these emotions in all their intensity, for it is only through this that you can begin to heal.
2. Seek support: It is easy to isolate oneself during times of pain, but support is integral for those grieving. Reach out to friends, family, or a professional therapist to talk through your emotions and receive compassionate support. One benefit that social distancing provided was having many therapists offer virtual counseling that can provide the help you need in the comfort of your own space.
3. Create new rituals: During COVID, traditions and rituals that we once enjoyed like gathering with family for holidays or holding memorials may not have been possible in the same way as they were before. Therefore, it's worthwhile to create new and meaningful rituals that honor the dead or commemorate the lost experience. This could be as simple as planting a tree, lighting a candle, or making a donation in your loved one's name. It's never too late to honor your loved ones, even if you're create experiencing that you weren't able to do during COVID.
4. Practice self-compassion: During this exceptionally challenging period, it's essential to treat yourself with extra kindness and compassion. Engage in self-care routine, do things that make you happy, indulge in hobbies that soothe you. Self-compassion enables us to navigate grief in a healthy way and remain connected to the world around us.
5. Extend your compassion to others: Grief doesn't have to be a solitary experience, we can find solace in knowing that others are also suffering during this difficult time. Simple gestures such as offering a listening ear, sending a note of encouragement, picking up groceries for a friend or neighbor can go a long way towards helping others through their grieving process.
Grieving through, during, and after COVID is unlike anything anyone has ever faced before. Navigating it is challenging, but with time, compassion, and support, it is possible to move through the grieving process. The most important thing is to allow yourself to feel the emotions that are evoked and create new rituals that honor the lost experience. Seeking support, practicing self-compassion, and extending that compassion to others can get you through grief and come out stronger on the other side. Remember, you don't have to navigate this alone, help is always available from compassionate professionals.
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