SALMA JAFFER & FLORETTE BACCHUS - HAYNES
Clinical Social Workers
Interprofessional Primary Care Team
Clinical Social Workers
Interprofessional Primary Care Team
Image Source: Riccardo Mio @Unsplash
Grief is a normal response to any loss and it is painful. COVID-19 outbreak has been unprecedented time for the entire community and collectively we are grieving the loss of our loved ones. During COVID-19 we are dealing with more than one wave of grief. Grieving is an experience that can shake the foundations of the lives of those affected. It calls upon individuals and families to utilize a significant number of resources in order to find ways to cope with the situation adequately; and to maintain some kind of balance and harmony in their lives.
With the already stressful days of being confined, being away from those we love, human touch, missed celebrations and trying to get use to the new normal can take a toll on you emotionally, mentally and physically. Our resilience will help us to practice new way of grieving.
Below is a chart explaining waves of grief that the community are experiencing during the pandemic.
With the already stressful days of being confined, being away from those we love, human touch, missed celebrations and trying to get use to the new normal can take a toll on you emotionally, mentally and physically. Our resilience will help us to practice new way of grieving.
Below is a chart explaining waves of grief that the community are experiencing during the pandemic.
Exploring coping strategies
We have to think of ourselves as being resilient because we are able to “bounce back” from losses and negative events by taking control of the situation, and practicing strategies to manage your grief, depression and anxiety. We all have our own strengths that we could use to help us cope with difficult life situations.
- Acknowledge your feelings of grief by allowing your feelings/emotions to come out. It is normal.
- Remember the special times, such as anniversaries, birthdays, or holidays can intensify feelings of grief, talk to someone, a close friend or a therapist
- Crying is not a sign of weakness and crying is normal as it helps you to release your emotions
- Join a peer support group. Reaching out to others who might be going through the same journey as yours
- Visit love ones while following the necessary precautions for this unprecedented time
- Grow a plant in memory of your loved one
- Write a letter to the person you lost
- Practice self-care, by eating healthy, exercise and proper sleep
- Try holistic methods of coping, for example, Mindfulness, music therapy, art therapy and journaling
- Try to avoid depending upon substances such as alcohol, medications or drugs to help cope with your feelings
- Be kind to yourself
Additional Resources
Bereaved Families of Ontario
Canadian Mental Health Association
CAMH
Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities
Toronto Central Health
References
Burrell, A., Selman, L.E. (2020). OMEGA. How do Funeral Practices impact Bereaved Relatives’ Mental Health, Grief and Bereavement? A Mixed Methods Review with implications for COVID-19. Journal of Death and Dying, 2020 –journals.sagepub.com
Wallace, C.L., Wladkowski, S.P., Stephanie, P. (2020). Grief during the COVID-19 pandemic: considerations for palliative care providers.
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