Coping with a loss is difficult, but in Covid19 it is even harder. Often, the loss of life to the coronavirus is sudden, and family members are unable to be by their loved one’s side because of restrictions. The separation only adds to the grief and sadness of loved ones left behind.
A lot of our comfort is nonverbal and requires some kind of physical interaction. This is much more difficult in the COVID era.
While everyone has their own unique way of grieving, here are some ways to help you cope:
- Grieving is a unique process: Grief is messy and a natural response to loss. There are no right or wrong ways to experience it. Our response to loss is different for every person and also for each person we lose. Over time, as we adapt to the loss by accepting its reality and restoring our well-being, grief is integrated and finds a place in our life.
- Take your time: It takes time to accept that loved ones are gone. Grief has a variety of variables including age, duration of the relationship, and the type of death (traumatic, natural, sudden, etc.) that play into how one processes death. We all face different circumstances with loss, so it makes sense that we take different amounts of time. It’s helpful not to put a time limit when you find yourself dealing with a loss.
- Thoughts that may be part of the grieving: If they take too much space in your mind, certain kinds of natural thoughts, feelings, or behaviors can derail healing during acute grieving. These include protesting the death; self-blame, guilt, anger, or shame; imagining ways things could have gone differently; losing faith in yourself or others; excessive avoidance of reminders of the loss; and extreme social isolation.
- Don’t let guilt overwhelm you: You will likely find yourself feeling survivor guilt. This is very natural, but it is something to notice and pay attention to while trying to not let it take over. In other words, you need to allow yourself to have joy and satisfaction in your life again. That might take a while. Just try not to hold yourself back from having positive emotions and savouring them.
- Know when to get help: Coping with loss can be challenging. It may take a while, but we learn to adjust to reality without our departed loved ones. Allowing yourself time to heal is one of the most important steps. Know the signs that you need help. Reach out to friends, family, or professionals who can provide you with options. There’s no shame in getting the assistance you need. You simply need to ask for it.
At Anantam, we understand loss can be difficult and want to provide the space for you to feel emotionally safe. Reach out to know how to cope in the healthiest way. Call/whatsapp Ms Seema Agarwal: +91 98205 76682