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Dealing with Loss During COVID-19
There’s never a good time to lose a loved one, be it two legged or four. However, during a crisis like what we’re dealing with right now, it’s especially difficult.
I lost one of my cousins suddenly last week to a brain aneurysm. It killed him instantly. Not only did I not know where to put this on an emotional level; I couldn’t fly out to Knoxville to be with my family.
So many have had to deal with a terrible loss and grieve a loved one while in quarantine. There is nothing that can make you feel even more isolated and alone than not being able to surround yourself with friends and family when you’ve suffered this kind of loss. The disconnect can almost be unbearable.
Bereavement is stressful and painful even in normal circumstances. It is now compounded with fear, anxiety and uncertainty, which only magnifies the sense of loss and isolation.
On the flip side, the cruel hallmark of this pandemic is those who are suffering from anything- be it COVID-19, a tragic accident, or a terminal illness- often have to go through whatever they’re going through alone. Because of social distancing measures and hospital regulations that prohibit visitors, patients are cut off from those they need the most at that very emotional time- family, friends, and even their religious leaders or counselors.
