We have been in a “stay-home order’, ‘quarantine”, or a “shelter in place’ for months now as a result of a worldwide pandemic. No one saw it coming. Out of nowhere and suddenly our lives, our country, the world was hit hard. A hit that will change us forever. An economic downfall, sickness and disease, record numbers of deaths through out the nation due to COVID-19.
This pandemic has caused a dark shadow over the entire world. A worldwide attack of numerous untimely deaths, continuously rising numbers of people getting infected with this deadly virus, and a state of uncertainty, disbelief, and fear. Fear has set-in, anxiety has set-in, despair has set-in, chaos has set-in, and discouragement has set-in. Just to highlight some of the emotions and feelings people are having worldwide; due to this pandemic.
BUT, there is hope in the midst of a pandemic. You can manage the grief in this time and come out of it better than when you entered in. Yes, these are perilous times where grief and fear are real. Grief is intense emotional suffering caused by a loss. This pandemic has caused great loss. Grief is a complex set of emotions which is normal. It’s not just about death but about this life transition, disaster, and pandemic. We have certainly entered a valley of shadows.
How can we manage grief in a pandemic and still keep our hope?
Be Patient
- Give yourself the time it takes to heal emotionally.
- Keep a routine during this stay home order, get lots of rest, direct your energies toward healing, and take the time to look within. When you look deep within and reinvent your qualities, this will help you to be more effective when this time of uncertainty ends.
- Find something new about you and develop it. Take something about you that you already know and level-up this quality.
Maintain Relationships and Friendships
- Connect with family and friends, of course by way of telecommunications and social platforms. Let them comfort you and allow them to share in your journey toward healing.
- Make a list of family members and friends to call.
- Join a grief support group.
Feel the Pain
- The intensity of your pain is normal and eventually it will become lighter. The pain may never disappear completely however it will become bearable.
- If you are trying to avoid the pain, you will only prolong the grief.
- You must make a choice to move forward by experiencing the grief, while at the same time rejoicing by not hiding your feelings.
Realize Grief is Normal
- Grief includes a number of changes. It appears differently at various times, and it comes and goes in our lives.
- As an individual, grief is our personal journey and our way of dealing with any kind of loss must be respected. It doesn’t matter how minor or severe in may appear to others.
- It is a normal, predictable, expected, and healthy reaction to loss. Remember our loss during this pandemic could be different for each of us. Nevertheless, we all have and are experiencing loss in some form or fashion.
Heal
- You do not have to get lost in grief during this pandemic. It’s a process and the above actions steps can assist you during the healing process.
- Redirect your energy from excessive “if” only things were different and/or when things get back to normal. Accept life will be different after the loss of a pandemic. Accept there will be a new norm. Most important, accept there is HOPE and there will be GLORY after this.
Psalm 23:4 (TPT)
Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have!
You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way.
Your authority is my strength and my peace.
The comfort of your loves takes away my fear.
Ill never be lonely, for you are near.
If you or someone you know needs help managing through grief and or loss, Dr. Jean of HCS would be honored to minister to you giving hope and healing resolutions. Visit our contact page and set up an appointment for a free consultation.
Abundant Blessings,