The entire world is experiencing loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  With more than 97 million confirmed cases, there have been over 2 million deaths.  Restrictions on travel and gatherings have left family and friends unable to gather together for funerals and celebrations of life – without a sense of closure.  It’s a disorienting time leaving people feeling isolated – grieving miles apart and struggling with mental health.

The loss of milestones and rituals

For many, grief goes beyond the loss of loved ones.  It’s also the loss of rituals and human connection.  The comfort of a hug and in-person connections no longer possible because of the rapidly spreading virus.  Celebrations like graduation ceremonies, weddings and baby showers have been cancelled, postponed or held virtually.  These milestones and rituals that help us mark life events suddenly gone.  The words of the ballad “It’s Quiet Uptown” from the musical Hamilton seem more relevant than ever – expressing the unimaginable separation and sadness.  Who could have ever imagined the grief and loss that we are collectively experiencing?

Grieving in new ways

Grief is a very personal journey – expressed differently for each person.  As we learn to adapt to life in the midst of a pandemic, we can also learn how to grieve in new ways.  The US Center for Disease Control highlights some ways to cope with grief during the pandemic:

• Connect virtually with family and friends by phone, teleconference or video chat.
• Create new rituals to honour a loved one who died such as preparing a favorite meal that was special to you and your loved one, or participating in an activity that was special to your loved one.
• Develop a virtual memory book, blog or webpage where friends and family can contribute memories and stories.
• Seek grief and mental health support through live online chats, mental health hotlines, and counselling available over the phone or virtually.