Bereavement during Covid

It is heart breaking at the best of times to lose someone we love, but to lose them during Covid-19 has really taken its toll on so many.

“Grief never ends …. But it changes.
It’s a passage, not a place to stay.
Grief is not a sign of weakness,
nor a lack of faith …. 
It is the price of love.”
~Author Unknown~

When we lose someone we love, many of us look for support from friends and family. A simply hug can really help in those moments of deep sadness as we come to terms with our loved one passing. The compassion and empathy of others becomes part of the process of working through the grief. During the Covid-19 Lockdown, this support network has been out of reach and has left many people living in isolation not able to process their grief through the normal rituals they would want to. From simple hugs to lack of contact at a funeral. A lack of ceremony, a loss of the space and place to accept the reality of the loss. This isolation can make feelings of loneliness and grief much more intense.

The trauma of losing a loved one to Covid-19, paralleled with the isolated grief can intensify the difficulties of getting a sense of purpose back again in life after a death and for some grief feels like fear.

“No one told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yarning. I keep on swallowing.

At other times it feels like being mildly drunk, or concussed. There is a sort of invisible blanket between the world and me. I find it hard to take in what anyone says.”
C.S Lewis – A Grief Observed.

Grief is normal and is intense sorrow, especially caused by someone’s death. If you have lost someone and want support through your bereavement there is support available. I am an experienced Bereavement Counsellor in Fleet, Hampshire.

Bereavement Support:

There are helplines and support groups who will offer support, below are some of those who can offer expert advice. For a more comprehensive list visit the Bereavement Counselling page here.

• At a Loss – Helping the bereaved find support – To talk to Counsellor on-line: Grief chat
• Cruse Bereavement Care   – We are here to support you after the death of someone close – 0808 808 1677
• Bereavement Trust – A listening ear – 0800 435 454
• GriefChat – a safe space for grieving or bereaved people to be able to share their story – 01524 889823

If you feel you want to talk to a counsellor, Caroline Ellison Counselling offers Bereavement counselling. Please contact Caroline to book an appointment.

Written by Caroline at Caroline Ellison Counselling – these are my opinions. Carpe Diem.