Some people express grief and find comfort through art, gardening, writing, talking to friends or family, cooking, music, gardening or other creative practices. Acknowledge your losses and your feelings of grief.Here are some ways to cope with feelings of grief: Grief is a universal emotion there is no right or wrong way to experience it, and all losses are significant. You may also feel a sense of guilt for grieving over losses that seem less important than loss of life. Stigma related to COVID-19 is less likely to occur when people know the facts and share them with extended family, friends, and others in your community.ĭuring the COVID-19 pandemic, you may feel grief due to loss of a job inability to connect in-person with friends, family or religious organizations missing special events and milestones (such as graduations, weddings, vacations) and experiencing drastic changes to daily routines and ways of life that bring comfort. Some people may avoid contacting you, your family members, and friends when they would normally reach out to you. Stigma hurts everyone by creating fear or anger towards other people. Seek support from other trusted community leaders and friends.ĭuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the family and close friends of a person who died of COVID-19 may experience stigma, such as social avoidance or rejection.Seek spiritual support from faith-based organizations, including your religious leaders and congregations, if applicable.Seek out grief counseling or mental health services, support groups, or hotlines, especially those that can be offered over the phone or online.Take part in an activity, such as planting a tree or preparing a favorite meal, that has significance to you and the loved one who died.
Other types of loss include unemployment, or not making enough money, loss or reduction in support services, and other changes in your lifestyle. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be unable to be with a loved one when they die, or unable to mourn someone’s death in-person with friends and family. Some people may experience multiple losses during a disaster or large-scale emergency event.
Grief can happen in response to loss of life, as well as to drastic changes to daily routines and ways of life that usually bring us comfort and a feeling of stability. Grief is a normal response to loss during or after a disaster or other traumatic event. Many people are experiencing grief during the COVID-19 pandemic.