10 Ways To Cope With Losing A Loved One – You can be furious, disheartened, or outraged because you didn’t get to say farewell in person or be present after your dear person died.
Because their demise was likely unexpected, you may feel bewildered and helpless.
Or maybe you’re feeling cut off from your usual social circle, and the funeral ceremony was complicated for you due to any prohibitions that might have been in effect.
It’s challenging to cope with losing a loved one at any age. However, the loss of a loved one amid the coronavirus outbreak will present new problems regardless of whether due to COVID-19 or even other reasons.
We will discuss some of the things you may do to cope with losing a loved one in this article.
Grief and loss during Covid-19
A recent study on loss and grieving in the COVID-19 outbreak distinguishes between direct and indirect losses.
Main losses are usually associated with significant life situations like the death of a family member or the termination of work.
Many indirect costs have resulted from global health initiatives to reduce or prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the loss of connections, entertainment, and social support.
Most individuals may be mourning their loss of independence or the capacity to interact with individuals so important to them currently.
Identify the grief
Most individuals are grieving due to the COVID-19 pandemic as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many people are struggling to cope with losing a loved one.
Moreover, many individuals have different responses to grief. Panic, disbelief, denial, worry, anger, sorrow, sleep deprivation, or hunger loss are prevalent responses to grieving.
According to experts, many individuals aren’t even conscious that they’re grieving. So it is essential to give grief a name to help people understand what they are going through.
10 ways to cope with losing a loved one during pandemic
You might contemplate attending a funeral or giving condolences to a friend who had recently lost a loved one in pre-quarantine situations. The COVID-19 pandemic has stripped away those options, leaving bereaved individuals to feel more lonely than ever. So here are a few practical methods to help anyone who is struggling to cope with losing a loved one from afar:
1. Understand that the funeral may be different during a pandemic
Since COVID-19 entails different funeral protocols, it is essential to address that you might not bid farewell in the best way possible. There have been boundaries on the number of individuals who can participate, and individuals who can come should sit separately, and foodstuff is not allowed on-premise.
It’s critical to recognize that these factors are beyond your control. So focusing on the aspects under your power will help you cope with losing a loved one and deal with the grief.
This could include asking about a webcast or film of the funeral, setting up a virtual visitor register, or posting notes from those unable to attend. It could entail arranging for a more significant memorial service after the pandemic has ended so that friends and relatives can honor your beloved person.
2. Say goodbye to your loved one in different ways
Even if you couldn’t bid farewell personally, you would seek a method to bid farewell to the deceased loved one since it is an essential part of grieving.
Locate a peaceful area to be undisturbed and speak your respects at your pace. As though they were physically present, say what you meant to tell them. Since the goodbye is a dialogue, you hold in your soul, the place and how don’t necessarily count.
3. Embrace the grieving process your way
Grief is the ground reality of human beings, and everyone experiences it differently. No one can tell you how to feel or how you should express your loss. Grief is a highly personal feeling, so be yourself and try not to be afraid of your emotions in these challenging times.
4. Be patient with the process
When you love somebody for so long, it is impossible to forget them instantly. You might be grieving for months or even years with the loss of a family member. So, it is essential to be patient with the process. You will undoubtedly feel okay after some time.
5. Connect with others
Distracting your mind from grief by connecting to others can help you. You can talk to your friend or relative about your suffering loss. In other words, it is best to have listening ears and speaking mouths around you so you can cope with losing your loved one.
6. Find a new meaning after the loss
Finding meaning in life can be a real challenge after someone’s beloved passes away is essential to find new sunshine in the darkness. Finding a new determination in life after the loss is necessary. You can invest yourself in social work or find any other hobby that lets your mind free from pain.
7. Seek a support system
When you’re trying to cope with losing a loved one, family and friends tend to easily be your support system. Although when you have the attention of your loved ones, sometimes friends and relatives may not understand how to effectively assist you. Communicating your emotions with people who have suffered similar tragedies can make you feel less lonely in that situation. You can learn a lot about coping skills by hearing about other people’s experiences. Call local clinics, funeral directors, or counseling services to discover a support network in your region, or call a bereavement helpline.
8. Seek help from your religion
If you’re religious, your religion’s particular grieving rituals might offer consolation and help you connect with those grieving. Visiting religious ceremonies, studying holy books, praying, meditation, or speaking with a spiritual leader can help you find solace and purpose in your deceased family member.
9. Take care of yourself
It’s easy to forget about your own health and well-being while trying to cope with losing a loved one. However, the anxiety, trauma, and deep feelings you’re experiencing might hurt your immune system, nutrition and sleeping, and general emotional health.
Ignoring your health could lengthen the grief process and make you particularly vulnerable to depression or severe bereavement. Yet, there are some simple things you can do right now to help your health:
- Spend time in the countryside.
- Pursue hobbies and activities that will improve your life.
- Eat healthily and get plenty of rest.
- To manage and resist using drugs or alcohol.
10. Get help from the professionals if needed
Try visiting a bereavement counselor in person or through video calls online if you’re having trouble accepting your loss or your sorrow becomes overpowering. Putting your trust in a specialist can help you deal with feelings too painful to discuss with friends or family, cope with unsolved problems from your deceased family member, and find better methods to adjust to life after your tragedy.
Also Read: Life Coach vs Therapist
The takeaway?
Understand that you will get through grief stages with the help of others, patience, and determination. The pain when you’re trying to cope with losing a loved one will sooner or later fade, leaving you with pleasant memories of your beloved ones.
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