Life as we know it has changed in many ways due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Millions of people have been affected worldwide, from the loss of life or a job to normal day-to-day routines. Not only has our reality shifted, but the ways in which we grieve have also evolved, making a difficult process even harder.

Typically, people associate grief as a response to death. However, you can experience grief with any type of loss, including:

• The loss of a job

• Safety or routine

• Fear of the future

• Changes in daily habits

This month, we’re sharing four ways to help support your well-being while grieving during the pandemic. The first two suggestions are for anyone grieving any type of loss, while the last two are focused on bereavement and coping after a death.

1. Stay Connected Virtually

Staying connected is crucial, especially when you're grieving and feeling isolated. With social distancing in place, video chatting has become one of the best ways to stay connected with loved ones. Tools like Zoom and Google Meet make it easy to connect “face-to-face.”

Try:

• Scheduling weekly video calls with friends or family

• Writing and mailing letters to friends and relatives

• Teaching or learning a new skill over video

• Hosting a virtual lunch or dinner

• Leaving encouraging chalk messages on sidewalks

• Setting up a virtual game night

👉 Check out this article by Simple Most for more virtual activity ideas.

2. Consider Minimizing Your Media Intake

News related to COVID-19 can be overwhelming. Aditi Nerurkar, M.D., MPH, an integrative medicine physician at Harvard Medical School, says:

“As humans, we need to be informed in order to protect ourselves.”

However, constant exposure to bad news can heighten stress and anxiety. Dr. Nerurkar also says:

“Think of it as exercise. It’s good for you, but if you do it for hours on end, it becomes unhealthy.”

To help manage media overload, try limiting your news intake to once or twice daily, and consider these five tips from Mindbody Green on how to limit news exposure effectively.

3. Alternate Between Loss & Restorative Activities

This idea comes from the Dual Process Model by Margaret Stroebe and Henk Schut. It suggests that grief flows in two ways:

• Loss-oriented activities (e.g., remembering your loved one, reflecting on your grief)

• Restoration-oriented activities (e.g., cleaning, exercising, socializing, watching TV)

Switching between these helps balance your emotions. If you find distraction helpful or struggle to express emotion, this model may support you during your grieving process.

4. Hold a Virtual Memorial with Immediate Family

“Funerals help us acknowledge and accept the reality of a death... and help us start to think about how to live life forward with meaning and purpose.”
— Dr. Alan Wolfelt, Center for Loss and Life Transition

Social distancing has made it hard for families to gather, hug, or support one another physically. At Ryan Funeral Home, we strongly encourage immediate family not to delay funerals. These services are essential for grieving and closure.

We offer:

• Live streaming of funeral services

• Recorded videos for later sharing

When it’s safe to gather again, we recommend hosting a larger in-person memorial or celebration of life.

COVID-19 has made life more difficult—especially for the bereaved. We hope these suggestions support you as you navigate grief in these uncertain times.

Above all, be kind to yourself and remember:
You are doing the best you can. If you need support, please reach out to our team. We're here to help.