Expect to Grieve Because of COVID-19 – Here’s Why
Loss of Normalcy
One of the most confusing things about the pandemic is how it has shaken our sense of “normal” life. Most of us have lived our entire lives without experiencing anything like the fear of contagion that has reshaped everything.
Some elderly remain who remember polio outbreaks and the upheaval of World War II. But to most of us, the level and suddenness of change are bewildering.
By now, many months in, we wonder if things will ever be “normal” again. We yearn to go to movies, stores, restaurants, parties, religious gatherings, work, and school without fear. But we don’t know when, if ever, we’ll be able to do so.
Lost Time
Perhaps you’ve made good use of extra time by pursuing new hobbies, reading, and binge-watching favorite shows. If you live with others, hopefully, you’ve had some quality time together.
The chances are that you’ve lost out on valuable time with other loved ones and friends. Like many of us, you may have elderly parents or grandparents. You know that life is unpredictable, so you cherish every moment with them. But the pandemic has taken that time away from you. If they passed away alone in the hospital, that grief is even greater.
Lost Childhood Experiences
Even if you don’t have kids or they’re already grown, the entire country will feel the ripple effects of how childhood has been radically altered. Everyone should grieve for how the pandemic dampens the limited years of childhood.
We don’t know what the long term educational impact as a result of the pandemic will be. Participation rates in online learning were dismal in many areas. Kids have fallen behind through no fault of their own. They may never catch up.
Children have had to miss valuable, cherished time with older relatives and even their same-age friends. Recitals, sports, plays, and so many other highlights have been canceled. Teenagers have spent much of their senior year at home and didn’t have graduation ceremonies and parties.
It isn’t hard to imagine how these experiences will affect children’s social, emotional, and academic well-being. Their outlook on what normal life is may be radically different than that of older generations.
Grief
Of course, there are many more nuances to the grief you can expect as a result of the pandemic than what’s shared here. As painful as it may be, it’s essential to reflect on them.
When you’re grieving, you often find yourself cycling through its seven stages. They don’t always follow a linear pattern. Your emotions can jump back and forth between the steps within a day: shock and disbelief, denial, bargaining, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance.
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If grief is affecting your everyday life, counseling can be invaluable. As a therapist, I can walk you through your pain and help you navigate the future.
Even if we can all expect to grieve because of this pandemic, there is hope for the future. Please call today or visit my page about grief and loss counseling to learn more.