Coping from the death of a loved one, especially who died during the Covid-19 pandemic, can become one of the most heartbreaking experiences in your life. It may even trigger unpleasant thoughts and feelings that you, yourself, cannot fathom.
Grieving during the pandemic seemed so unreal. You were filled with confusion and questions. You were dampened with an overwhelming feeling of grief and sadness. You felt lost and angry as the reality of death slowly sank into your system.
How does death affect your mental health?
Death affects the physical and mental well-being of a person. With death nothing is in between. You either feel sad or relieved. You can shed tears or embrace it with dignity. You either accept it or sulk for it for months. One way or another, it tremendously affects your emotions and thoughts.
There were several strict restrictions for funeral services. Only one or two members of the family were allowed to attend the ceremony for fear that it might cause the spread of the virus. This alone made family members fall apart for they were not given a chance to say their final goodbyes. This injected more pain and anxiety that will impact your mental health.
Your constant longing can set off your mind into thinking unpleasant things. It hinders you to see this situation as a part of living, as a part of the world we all live in.
It is normal to feel vulnerable and scared during this time as you worry about your own life. It may lower down your enthusiasm and hope at one point because at the back of your mind, nothing can bring them back to life.
How to cope with the loss of a loved one?
Accepting the death of a family or a close friend is hard and moving on from there is another story. It may take months or even years to finally look at them as happy memories. It certainly takes courage and an incredible spirit to tell yourself that all will be well.
1. Let your feelings out.
Bereavement is a process. Every person grieves in different ways. You do not need to feel ashamed in letting your feelings out. A good cry can help you in the healing process. It can be good therapy.
Therapists and psychologists would approve if you do not avoid expressing your feelings. This may lead to isolation that will prolong your feeling of abandonment. It is always better that from the start, you recognize what you are feeling and let your body and mind accept the truth step by step.
2. Celebrate their life.
One of the best ways to cope with the loss of a family member or a dear friend is to celebrate their lives along with the people who love them. You can have a small gathering and talk about your most memorable moments with them. Share stories about them that leave a significant mark in your life.
You can even do fun activities like collecting pictures of them and placing them into a one album. You can watch their favorite movies or listen to their favorite movies. You can write a letter to them and place it in a box. You can read these letters during intimate family events.
There are endless ways for you to celebrate and commemorate them. The most important thing is you remember them in a positive light.
3. Join a support group.
If it is still hard for you to move on, you can join a support group. Look for a grief support group in your area. You may also ask from friends, counsellors, or therapists if they can recommend a good one.
It will do you good if you surround yourself with people who have experienced losing someone. You can listen to their experiences and how they are able to accept it. They are there to give assurance and comfort to people like you that one day you will feel at peace.
4. Talk about it with your family.
The healing process begins once you accept the loss. You and your family can discuss your feelings. You have to rely on each other because the loss of a loved one can affect your daily lives. You can discuss your plans now that the family member is gone.
You can even opt for Family Therapy to help you all. Mindshift Psychological Services offer this service for residents in Riverside, California, Corona, California and Los Angeles, California.
Grieving as a family may lighten the burden and give you enough will to move on because you are not alone. It is consoling to know that your feelings are valid.
5. Seek professional guidance.
Sometimes, the death of a loved one or a very close friend may cause you to break down mentally. As you try to wake up each day, you still feel the overwhelming sadness gets heavier. This time you know that your grieving calls for a more serious remedy.
If you are looking for professional therapists and psychologists anywhere in Riverside, California, Corona, California and Los Angeles, California, visit Mindshift Psychological Services near me. They will welcome you with open arms as you start your healing process.
They offer different services like Group Therapy near me, Individual Psychotherapy and Family Therapy. If you have children that you think need professional therapy near me, they have Child Psychology and Depression Therapy.
Getting therapy near me with them gives you an avenue to substantiate your feelings. Take care of your mental health with as much effort in taking care of your body. Schedule for an appointment now.
