Managing Grief and Anxiety During the COVID Pandemic

The COVID pandemic changed our reality in the blink of an eye and the impact of this global upheaval is still unfolding in our lives, more than a year after the country’s first positive case. 
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Managing our mental and emotional health during such a stressful and uncertain time is a big enough challenge. Having to also cope with the grief caused by losing a loved one can be especially difficult.

What Grief Feels Like

Grief is unique to each person, but there are a range of feelings that people commonly experience when dealing with a loss. They include:

• Feelings of anxiety

• Fear of the unknown

• Missing the loved one

• Sadness

• Loneliness

• Loss of control

• Anger

• “What if” thoughts

• Regrets about the past

What to do with feelings of grief and anxiety

These feelings are normal and feeling them is a necessary stage in the grief process. You shouldn’t try to ignore them or rush through them. 
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While you grieve, let yourself think of the happy times with your loved one. Reach out to family and friends to share these fond memories. Surround yourself with sentimental items, such as jewelry, souvenirs, and other keepsakes. If you feel the need to cry, don’t hold back. Crying is a healthy way of expressing pent-up emotions. 

Because physical isolation has become a necessary part of life due to the pandemic, it’s particularly important to stay connected to our friends and family in safe ways, such as through emails and video chats, especially if some family members and loved ones are in home hospice care.

Using mindfulness to cope

At the same time, you shouldn’t stay “stuck” in your grief feelings forever. That’s why it’s important to bring yourself back to the present moment when you find yourself getting overwhelmed. 
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Meditating, listening to calming music, stretching, and deep breathing are all highly effective ways to calm and focus the mind. Mindfulness works best when it’s practiced regularly, so try including these activities in your daily routines.

Reach out for help

You don’t have to carry the burden of the pandemic and your loss all by yourself. Our experienced team can offer support, advice, and a sympathetic ear. Reach out to La bella Vita Hospice for additional information or resources.