Losing a loved one is an inevitable part of life, but one
for which we are rarely prepared – finding ourselves powerless in the face of
one of our most intense emotions.
And so we turn to rituals such as funerals to regain control
and to formally say goodbye.
But strict restrictions due to Covid-19 have left many
people missing out on these important moments, including even holding a
relative’s hand as they pass away.
Despite the difficulties, there are strategies you can use
to ease such painful times.
Embrace your emotions
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Sadness isn’t the only feeling that accompanies grief.
“It’s a cliché, but it is a rollercoaster,” says Carole
Henderson, who runs Grief Recovery UK.
“There are some common symptoms – poor concentration,
numbness, fluctuating emotions.
“One minute you’re fine, the next you’re angry or weepy.
“You can have physical symptoms too – your heart can ache or
feel like it’s racing.
“One of the key things to remember is that everyone grieves
uniquely. It doesn’t help to compare yourself to others.”
Nor does suppressing the sadness – you will only be storing
up problems for later.
Create new rituals
Being denied a traditional funeral is a heartbreaking part
of current circumstances – but there are ways to help make up for it. Lianna
says many funerals she has recently officiated at brought people together via
live streaming.
“At the beginning, we light a candle and we ask those
attending virtually to do so at the same time, to feel part of it,” she says.
“Technology can be a way to share memories and love when we
can’t reach out physically.
Also use the time to plan a post-lockdown memorial service
that will be unique to the person and commemorate their life, taking ideas from
family and friends.
Practise self-care
Caring for your wellbeing is paramount after a loss, no
matter how hard you find it to get out of bed.
Prioritise your needs and nourish your body.
Linda Magistris says: “Self-care is absolutely vital. Cook
good food and try things like yoga to calm the mind and help you sleep. A lot
of people are angry about Covid and how it has stopped them saying goodbye.
Exercise can help. It gets you outside, clears your mind and helps you stay
well.”
Try to eat regular meals, get lots of rest and avoid things
such as alcohol and drugs to numb pain.
Aim to complete small tasks each day, to give you focus.
Breathing exercises or mindfulness apps can help to find
peace within the stress and sadness.
Leave nothing unsaid
People often get stuck in grief because they have unfinished
emotional business with the person who has died. Lianna Champ says: “You wish
you could have changed things or said something different, and you hold
yourself in a place of regret.
“It’s like driving a car with the handbrake on. But if you
could have one more conversation with the person who has died, what would you
ask them and what would you tell them?
“Write it in a letter, being as honest as you can – you
don’t have to share it.
“Do it with a box of tissues on hand and let yourself cry.
It hurts – let it.”
Reach out for support
Employing the British stiff upper lip is the worst thing you
can do while grieving. Says Carole Henderson: “My motto is, ‘Don’t be strong,
be human’. Tell another person what’s in your heart, even if it is just you
miss them.
“It’s about being heard, sharing that feeling to let your
feelings be normal.”
Find one person who will listen to you without judgment and who you can be honest with.