Over the past year, many people experienced sudden loss due to the sudden COVID-19 outbreak. The difference now is that people had to learn how to handle grief while coping in the middle of a global pandemic.
Coping with a loss is already difficult on its own, but during this era, one of the COVID long-term effects is the difficulty of handling grief. It is because feeling pain and finding support may be more challenging since individuals must practice social distancing.
The loss of life due to the virus can be sudden, and family members cannot be with their loved ones during these times, making separation an added factor to the grief of those left behind.
People who have lost loved ones are finding ways to cope even under these difficult circumstances, and at the end of the day, these people want to be heard and know that they have support.
Thankfully, grief counseling is available for people who speak to therapists and psychiatrists to help them grieve and be heard. Understandably, talking about pain can be difficult. Still, that human connection can immediately put a person in a better emotional space to allow themselves to grieve and cope with their loss.
Here are some helpful tips that can help you cope amid the coronavirus pandemic:
1. Know That Feelings of Grief Are Valid
Grief, now one of COVID’s long-term effects, is a natural response to loss and can also be quite messy; however, there is no right or wrong way around it. Every person has their own unique way of grieving — some may feel intense emotions and preoccupied thoughts. In contrast, others focus their behaviors on honoring and caring for the bereaved.
A significant factor with grief is time, and people will slowly see the situation in a new light as they slowly accept the reality of their loss and restore their well-being.
2. Understand That Loss Is Difficult to Comprehend
When someone loses a loved one, one of the first things they’ll think about is all the alternative scenarios that could happen to avoid this event from happening. It is part of the healing process, but one shouldn’t stay in this space for too long.
Although this can’t be avoided, it’ll help to know that loss can be challenging to comprehend, and they should be gentle with themselves during the healing process to slowly accept the situation.
3. Accept That There Are Things That Cannot Be Changed
Death is part of the life cycle, which is why it’s essential to know that there are things out of anyone’s control. With this thought process, one must have courage, creativity, and fortitude to see the situation in a better light, no matter how difficult.
This is why it’s crucial to get grief counseling to fully understand the situation and know how to accept change, move forward, and celebrate life despite the loss.
4. Be Mindful of Thoughts During the Healing Process
Thoughts can take so much room in one’s headspace, especially when one grieves. Although there are occasions when it’s okay to welcome these thoughts, having no control of what enters their headspace can put them off their healing process.
The usual thoughts include self-blaming, guilt, shame, anger, coming up with alternative scenarios, losing faith, and more.
Final Thought: Coping With Grief in the Middle of the COVID-19 Pandemic Is Difficult, but It’s Possible to Move Forward
Grief is a complicated emotion to feel and is one of COVID’s long-term effects, especially when isolated from other people during the pandemic. Thankfully, there are ways to handle grief, and one of the best ways is through grief counseling. Counseling and therapy can help individuals hold space for their pain and move forward with their life in better light and understanding.
How Can Therapy24x7 Help You?
If you’re looking for grief counseling in Brooklyn, Therapy 24×7 offers psychotherapy and life-coaching services both in-office and online. We provide support, offer enhanced coping strategies, and results-based therapies to our clients. Book an online appointment today!