COVID-19 Tips | Coping with grief

Many people are experiencing grief during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a normal response to loss of life, as well as to drastic changes to daily routines and ways of life that usually bring us comfort and a feeling of stability.

Actions to cope

• Connect with other people.

• Invite people to call you or host conference calls with family members and friends to stay connected.

• Ask family and friends to share stories and pictures with you via mailed letters, email, phone or video chat, or via apps or social media.

• Coordinate a date and time for family and friends to honour your loved one by reciting a selected poem, spiritual reading, or prayer within their own households.

• Develop a virtual memory book, blog, or webpage to remember your loved one, and ask family and friends to contribute their memories and stories.

• Take part in an activity, such as planting a tree or preparing a favourite meal, that has significance to you and the loved one who died.

GET help

• Seek out grief counselling or mental health services, support groups, or hotlines, especially those that can be offered over the phone or online.

• Seek spiritual support from faith-based organisations, including your religious leaders and congregations, if applicable.

• Seek support from other trusted community leaders and friends.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention