Grief during a time of social isolation
Even under the best circumstances, coping with grief and loss after the death of a loved one is difficult. The world shatters around us and the things we thought we knew about life are called into question.
Here is a list of things you can do to help ease the intensity of your grief during this time of social isolation:
1. Grief is unique to each individual and can be lonely and isolating on its own. How you feel may not be the same as anyone else and that’s ok.
2. Find ways to engage with other people either over the phone or by video chat. It might not be the same as an in-person interaction, but it’s a connection nonetheless.
3. Don’t intellectualize your feelings. They are not necessarily logical, they are emotional. While feelings may not be easy, try not to pass judgment on them as they are not intellectual truths.
4. Set a specific time each day to talk to family and friends to reduce feelings of isolation.
5. Practice being in the present moment. Acknowledge the thoughts and feelings you are having, and then try to reorient yourself to time and place.
6. Move a muscle, change a thought. Try to engage in something physical. This will help to work through overwhelming feelings.
These are most unusual times we are all doing the best we can with. Please try and do the best you can with what you have to work with, given the limitations placed on all of us by the pandemic. While nothing can make the feelings of loss dissipate faster, focusing on navigating — and accepting — your own conflicted feelings during this stressful time may be helpful.