Coronavirus has affected every aspect of our lives, from our jobs to the food we put on the table. You’ve lost the normalities of your daily life and, therefore, the outlets that bring you joy and structure. The virus has changed the way you interact with people, feed your family, entertain yourself, shop, and take care of your kids. The change is overwhelming. With all this change, you may feel uncomfortable in your “new normal”.
So what is Coronavirus grief?
Coronavirus grief is the loss of a world you once knew. It’s the loss of connection, normalcy, and predictability. We are also feeling anticipatory grief or grief over an uncertain future.
The world we are living in is full of unknowns. And even though we know this pandemic will not last forever, it will create lasting changes in our world that we cannot fully predict. With the virus out there, it is almost like a storm is looming outside our door constantly. There are security and a sense of safety that we no longer have. We don’t know what the future holds for our health, the well-being of our loved ones, or the world as a whole. The world as we knew it is over, therefore, we are grieving.
Why is it important to know this?
Because if you can label your emotion then you can come to understand it and you can manage it.
What can we do about it?
Once we acknowledge it, we can approach it like, well, grief.
1. Know the 5 stages of grief
There are five stages to grief, stages that do not happen in a linear order and can repeat themselves unpredictably. The stages are denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance. Each of these feelings is normal.
2. Give yourself compassion and grace
As you move through the stages, give yourself compassion and grace. Even though you are at home, do not expect yourself to be extremely productive or perfect. Just because you are home, does not mean this is a vacation. You are going through a pandemic and you are grieving. Give yourself the time and the space to do this.
3. Let go of what you can’t control
Acceptance is the final stage of grief and where you will find the most peace. Here we can let go of what you cannot control and focus on the things you can control. For example, I can social distance, I can wash my hands, I can work from home, and I can help my family do the same.
4. Remind yourself that this is temporary
This unpredictability of how long this pandemic will last can be daunting. However, repeat to yourself that this is temporary.
5. Find meaning
Giving meaning to tough situations can help us stay uplifted and resilient through it. Maybe it’s reconnecting with your family or reconnecting with yourself. Whatever it may be, try to find the light in this scenario.
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