This topic has come about as we are thinking of some of the ways people might be feeling during this time…..We are still sharing our story, but we try our best to find ways of reaching out and trying to help or support people who are experiencing a new type of grief process due to Coronavirus….
Please see Low Mood and Grief – Coronavirus: Low Mood, Grief, Lockdown. Which covers:
- Introduction/Our Story
- Feeling and emotions of Grief
- Illustrative Examples
- Supporting someone who is grieving
- Low Mood and Grief
- Medical Conditions and Coronavirus
- Coronavirus – Low Mood – Grief – Lockdown
- YouTube Video – Mental Health and Wellbeing Coronavirus
- Coronavirus – Lockdown – Mental Wellbeing
- Our Final Thoughts and our YouTube Video
© Copyright 2019 Grief Probate Journey Blog *PLEASE NOTE THIS INFORMATION IS SOURCED FROM UK and AMERICAN WEBSITES* It is also based on our own experience. *We are not experts in this field, we are speaking purely on our own experience with information sought from the internet to give further examples. *
1. Introduction/Our Story
This topic has come about as we are thinking of some of the ways people might be feeling during this time.
For my sister and I, although our Dad sadly passed away in March 2017, due to the circumstances of his passing, we still have not come to terms with what has happened. Because of this we often experience many different feelings and emotions, one of those being low mood. This feeling is felt more frequently than we would like it to be. However, it is a part of the process of the journey we are going through and so we try our very best to manage it and get on with daily life.
- Grief is something that is never easy
- The loss of a loved one is something that is difficult no matter what the circumstances
Losing someone and not being able to:
- Be with them in their final moments
- Be with them once they have passed
- Possibly not be able to attend the funeral
These things are simply unimaginable
Dealing with grief as well as these things mentioned above is double the trauma. Since this pandemic we really feel for everyone around the world that has experienced a loss, whether it be to Coronavirus or other circumstance’s, the grieving process will be the same due to current state of affairs and social distancing.
The original purpose of our blog was to share our story in the hope of helping others who might be going through something similar or might know someone going through something similar.
This is still the purpose of our blog, as our main aim is to try and help people. We are still sharing our story, but we try our best to find ways of reaching out and trying to help or support people who are experiencing a new type of grief process due to Coronavirus.
Something that is universal, is that life as we know it has changed. This is a massive change of lifestyle that feels like it took place overnight and since that time people have been doing the very best they can to get by and adapt to this new found “normality” and way of life.
This complete lifestyle change no doubt brings on many feelings and emotions for us all.
We hope this topic might be of help to someone. Please see Low mood and grief – Coronavirus: Low Mood, Grief, Lockdown:
2. Feelings and emotions of Grief
“Grieving such losses is important because it allows us to ‘free-up’ energy that is bound to the lost person, object, or experience—so that we might re-invest that energy elsewhere. Until we grieve effectively we are likely to find reinvesting difficult; a part of us remains tied to the past. Grieving is not forgetting”.
2.2 How do you get rid of grief?
Knowing these steps can help you to work through your grief over the loss of a loved one.
- “Step 1: Allow the feelings. Coping with the loss of a loved one brings up almost every emotion imaginable”.
- “Step 2: Gather support”.
- “Step 3: Allow the grieving process”.
- “Step 4: Embrace life”.
2.3 How do you deal with grief in a healthy way?
Healthy Ways to Navigate Grief
- “Heal together. Hibbert stressed the importance of families working through their grief together”.
- “Acknowledge your feelings. Avoid ignoring, escaping, pretending or burying your feelings, she said”.
- “Give yourself time to grieve”.
- “Engage in healthy activities”.
- “Practice deep breathing”.
- “Seek counselling”.
2.5 What happens when we don’t grieve?
“Adrenaline can stop a person from grieving. Some people become very competent after a loss and throw themselves into logistics whilst running at an emotional “boiling point”, but never flowing over. … This, too, can put off the grieving process, and often happens when we see ourselves as supporters or carers of others”.
3. Illustrative Examples
4. Supporting someone who is grieving
4.1 How can you tell if someone is grieving?
Grief is a normal part of coping with a loss, but for some people, it can be far more serious.
Emotional Symptoms of Grieving
- “Increased irritability”.
- “Numbness”.
- “Bitterness”.
- “Detachment”.
- “Preoccupation with loss”.
- “Inability to show or experience joy”.
4.2 What should you not do when someone is grieving?
Rule 4: Let them feel
“One final bit of advice, “Don’t tell a grieving person how to feel. They may need to be vulnerable. They may need to cry for days on end,” wrote Kathryn Janus. In other words, don’t say things like, “Stay strong” or “Be strong.” (14 Feb 2019).
4.3 What to say to someone who’s grieving?
The Best Things to Say to Someone in Grief
- “I am so sorry for your loss”.
- “I wish I had the right words, just know I care”.
- “I don’t know how you feel, but I am here to help in any way I can”.
- “You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers”.
- “My favourite memory of your loved one is”.
- “I am always just a phone call away”. More items…
4.4 How do you comfort a grieving friend?
8 Tips To Help Console a Grieving Friend
- “Let go of time expectations. The person grieving may struggle for longer than expected”.
- “Recognize the stages of grief”.
- “Variables to grief”.
- “Resist telling them how strong they are”.
- “Offer the bereaved ways to memorialize”.
- “Ask them what they need”.
- “Continue to check in on them”.
- “Recommend help.”
4.5 What to do for someone who is grieving?
1. The do’s:
- “Just reach out”.
- “Then, judge their reaction”.
- “Find your own way to express your love”.
- “Listen”.
- “Acknowledge just how bad it really is”.
- “Offer to connect them to people going through something similar, if you do know anyone”.
- “Give little and often”.
- “Prepare for the worst”. More items… (26 Jan 2018).
5. Low Mood and Grief
5.1 NHS Every Mind Matters |Dealing With Low Mood|www.nhs.uk
“Get Free Tips For Managing Low Mood With Every Mind Matters. Simple Steps To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing. Create An Action Plan. Sleep Better. Clear NHS Advice. Mental Wellbeing. Reframe Your Thoughts. Get Help. Stay Connected. Types: Mental Health, Sleep”.
5.2 Low mood due to bereavement – Insight Healthcare
“Some of the common symptoms of low mood due to bereavement. Have you been feeling? low; upset; tearful; sad; loss or grief; overwhelmed; worried; helpless”.
5.3 Low mood due to bereavement |Benenden Health
“Find out more about some of the symptoms of low mood due to bereavement, which includes being sad, overwhelmed and full of grief”.
5.4 Bereavement Self-help Guide – MOODJUICE
“Are you finding it difficult to cope following a bereavement? Have you lost a loved one and find that you think about them all the time? Does a past loss still cause you significant emotional distress? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes,’ you may be experiencing symptoms of grief, and you may find this workbook helpful”.
5.5 Get help with grief after bereavement or loss – NHS
“Most people experience grief when they lose something or someone important to them. If these feelings are affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help”.
“Support is also available if you’re finding it hard to cope with stress, anxiety or depression”.
5.6 Grief & Depression Coping With Denial, Loss Anger and More
“Grief and depression is normal when experiencing a loss. Here are signs it may be time to talk to a doctor”.
6. Coronavirus and Medical Conditions
6.1 Advice for people at higher risk – Coronavirus (COVID-19) NHS
“People with certain health conditions including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women. Some charities and organisations have worked with the NHS to produce specific advice about coronavirus”.
6.2 Coronavirus: Advice for people with health conditions – BBC News
“Who is at risk? Having a health condition does not make you more likely than anyone else to come into contact with coronavirus”.
6.3 Coronavirus: what it means if for you if you have a heart or circulatory disease | BHF
“Jump to I have a heart or circulatory condition – am I at increased risk of … – I have a heart or circulatory condition … if you have an existing health problem”.
6.4 Coronavirus (COVID-19): Physical distancing | NHS inform
“People with serious underlying health conditions must follow shielding advice”.
6.5 People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness | CDC
“Coronavirus Disease 2019 … from COVID-19. Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are: … People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled”.
6.6 Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK – GOV.UK
6.7 Guidance for people with existing medical conditions – Coronavirus advice – Age UK
“Information for those with existing health conditions about visiting hospital or ongoing medical treatment during the coronavirus outbreak”.
6.8 Coronavirus – World Health Organisation
“Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment”.
7. Coronavirus – Low Mood – Grief – Lockdown
7.1 Coronavirus: dealing with bereavement and grief | Cruse Bereavement
“During the global coronavirus pandemic we are facing a tragic loss of life, often under very difficult circumstances”.
7.2 As Coronavirus Alters Our World You May Be Grieving. Take Care Of Yourself
“Psychologists say that what a lot of us are feeling these days is, in fact, a form of grief. Here’s how to honor that feeling and regain equilibrium”.
7.3 Someone I love has died – where can I find support |Healthwatch
“Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving”.
7.4 COVID-19 and the Grief Process |Psychology Today UK
“All of us are fearful about work, health, our families, and our shared future in ways that were unimaginable just a short time ago”.
7.5 6 Ways to help loved ones grieving deaths during the Coronavirus pandemic
“COVID-19 forces us to adapt the ways we can support someone who is in mourning”.
7.6 How to Cope with Bereavement During the COVID-19 Pandemic
“Grieving the loss of a loved one may be especially challenging right now. Here are some ideas to help you through this difficult period”.
7.7 Understanding Grief in the Age of COVID-19 Pandemic
“The global coronavirus pandemic has created a new reality marked by grief and loss. Weddings, concerts, meetings, travels plans, school events, and more have been cancelled in the wake of the virus”.
8. YouTube Video – Mental Health and Wellbeing Coronavirus
Derbyshire County Council:
“We’re living in difficult, worrying times and it can feel hard to keep positive and emotionally well. Our short video gives you some top tips for keeping your mental health in good form. You can get more advice online here”: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-…
9. Coronavirus – Lockdown – Mental Wellbeing – Coronavirus
9.1 Coronavirus and looking after your Mental Health| London City Hall – London.gov.uk
“Find the right tools to help you, your family and friends feel better during times of uncertainty”.
9.2 COVID-19: how to look after your mental health during coronavirus lockdown
“Coronavirus has affected all aspects of our lives and the constant news about the pandemic can feel never-ending. Not only is it impacting our physical health but it is taking its toll on some people’s mental health too”.
9.3 Coronavirus is changing our lives, and we’re grieving because of it, experts say
“While many of us have been feeling understandably anxious or frightened in recent weeks, not all us may have recognised that part of what we’re feeling is grief, said Jane Fisher, professor of global health at Monash University”.
9.4 Emotional Well-Being and Coping During COVID-19 |UCSF
“These are unprecedented times. We need to work extra hard to manage our emotions well. Expect to have a lot of mixed feelings”.
10. Our Final Thoughts
These are extremely trying times. Many unknowns Worldwide, many adjustments due to our “new found normality”. Many losses of life Worldwide due to Coronavirus, and other conditions.
The unified support is amazing, and very beneificial for mental health and wellbeing. The best we can do as people, is just that, Try our very best to maintain our mental health and wellbeing, whist thinking positively to when the World will start returuning to some sort of “normality” once again.
We wish everybody and their families are keeping well and safe as can be during these times.
Our YouTube Video description of this topic:
Grief Probate Journey 
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