6 Helpful Ways to Cope with the Loss of a Loved One During COVID 19
Strategies to cope with loss of a loved one. All of us have our own way of processing and coming to terms with the loss of a close friend or relative. But here are some strategies to use that may ease your grieving during this time of needing to keep a physical distance from others during COVID-19. Also, these tips can be useful at any time in your life.
Communication – If you are lucky enough to have caring people in your life who want to be there for you, let them. To avoid feeling alone communicate with those who will be understanding to the varying emotions you’re feeling as you share what you need to understand how you feel and work through the grieving process. It will also help to share memories with people who had a relationship with the deceased, allowing all of you to cope together.
Time to yourself – Having some time to yourself will allow you to process how you feel. You will be able to process the loss without others around judging how you’re handling the loss because you will experience a variety of emotions depending on the relationship you had with the deceased from sadness, anger, irritation, lost, fearfulness, helplessness, resentment and fatigue.
Seek Support – If your emotions become overwhelming speak with a bereavement counselor, a mental health professional who has experience to help guide you through this healing process or join an online support group to share with others who understand what you’re going through.
Self-care – It’s taxing on your body when feel the wide range of emotions you’ll be experiencing during this time.
Remember to eat, and when you eat choose foods that are healthy.
Exercise. I know it may be hard to be motivated to exercise at this time, but push yourself to do some physical activities. If you are not sick and are able, go for a walk to get some fresh air and sun for vitamin D which will help you physically and emotionally.
Sleep. Do what can to relax so you can sleep, that is essential for your physical and emotional health as well.
Do what you love to allow yourself to feel joy. Sometimes we can be overrun with sadness and may feel guilty to find happiness, but your heart needs it.
Avoid numbing the pain with alcohol or drugs and instead use a creative outlet to express your feelings, such as making a collage or scrapbook commemorating your lost loved one, or write a poem, draw or paint to help with processing your emotions.
Avoid any unnecessary stress, if the situation isn’t dire or it is out of your control, don’t worry about it. Focus on your healing.
Check in on others dealing with the loss – See how they’re doing and if they need someone to talk to or if they are doing self-care as well.
Cherish relationships – Let the people in your life know you love and appreciate them.