Covid-19 and the Rise of Grief
It's nearly impossible not to have been impacted by the global pandemic in one way or another. Whether you've had to shift the way you obtain groceries, had to learn how to give yourself a haircut, or are simply having to remember to bring a mask with you wherever you go, the lesser impacts for Covid-19 have been minor inconveniences. For many other people, this experience has led to significant losses and been nothing short of traumatic.
Grief is the natural emotional process we go through when experiencing loss. It is often seen as something that is reserved for mourning the death of a loved one, but can also happen when we experience loss of a job, declining health or new medical diagnosis, an end of a relationship, and even when we have to come to terms with unmet goals.
The recent impacts of the pandemic have resulted in many losses for a large percentage of the population. People have been let go from their jobs, small businesses have had to permanently shut down, many dreams have been shattered. Worst of all- many lives have been claimed. For some who have been lucky enough to survive a bad case of Covid-19, there have been long-term or even permanent medical ramifications. The loss of health as well as the other losses suffered during this time have all led to an overall increase in grief.
When it comes to bereavement in particular, many cultures and religions have specific rules or suggestions for how to best engage in the process. Although grief and loss are a normal part of life and the human experience, the impacts of Covid-19 have, in many ways, disrupted the natural mourning process. Even those who have lost someone during this time from unrelated causes have been impacted negatively. Hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities have inevitably had to place restrictions on visitations. This has limited a person’s ability to say goodbye to a dying loved one, and at times denied them much-needed closure. In some cases, services and celebrations-of-life have been suspended. Probably worst of all has been having to go through the grief process in isolation, and the inability to receive support and comfort in one's time of need.
So what happens when grief is left unresolved? Unprocessed grief can lead to depression, anxiety, panic attacks, physical illnesses, insomnia, and intense feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and shame. In severe cases, it can lead people to develop maladaptive responses such as substance abuse or addiction, aggressive behavior, eating disorders, or even self-injurious behaviors.
When this happens, it is crucial that steps be taken to help heal the pain caused by the unresolved grief. Some options include: joining a support group, practicing self-care, staying connected with family and friends, getting involved in spiritual activities, and speaking with a grief counselor. Therapy provides safe guidance to help effectively move through the stages of grief and the healing process.
If you or someone you know could benefit from professional help coping with grief and loss, reach out to a trauma therapist today.
