COVID-19 has left an indelible mark on the world, especially for those who had relatives or friends that contracted the virus and passed away as a result. A loss such as this one can leave us without a clue as to what to do next and how to deal with the whirlwind of emotions that we are feeling.
Fortunately, getting support for this loss is more than possible during these difficult times. To help you along your journey, here are some tips on how to deal with the loss of a loved one who has passed due to COVID-19.
Seek out emotional support to help you cope with your grief.
Grief can be overwhelming, and while it’s expected that the strength of your grief should dissipate over time, some will develop mental health problems like depression or complicated grief instead. The most important thing to do now is to seek out professional help so that you can work through these feelings, learn valuable coping mechanisms, and receive support from a licensed therapist as you navigate these difficult times.
Getting started is as simple as looking for local resources in your area by searching for a term like “therapists in NYC” and finding high-quality organizations that can offer teletherapy services to keep you protected as you receive support. Although healing will take time, having the right therapist on your side can make it easier to work through.
Figure out what needs to be taken care of after your loved one passes away.
Beyond trying to regulate and process your emotions, there are sometimes other things that need to be taken care of after someone passes away. Some of these items may include:
- Planning the funeral or memorial service of your loved one
- Making sure that the appropriate people have been contacted about the person’s death
- Taking care of any outstanding financial responsibilities that have been left behind (this includes closing accounts and notifying necessary government agencies, companies, and organizations)
- Executing the will and managing the estate (If your loved one had a large amount of stuff that requires extra space so that you can better manage the selling or disbursement of it, you should look into finding local storages in the Bronx that will keep these items safe and secure until you know what to do with them.)
If you find yourself struggling to grieve and take care of these responsibilities, share them with your family so that you don’t become overwhelmed in the process.
Find ways to make the coming months easier to navigate.
Grief looks different for everyone, but many have found ways to find solace even in their darkest hours. Some coping methods that’ll help you better navigate your grief include maintaining regular communication with your friends and family, setting up a memorial in your home to celebrate your loved one, trying to maintain a regular routine and lifestyle, finding support groups that can help you connect with others in similar situations, and finding ways to acknowledge and process your feelings, such as journaling or a similar creative outlet. With time, you’ll be able to live your day-to-day without the grief having such a strong impact on you.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a widespread problem that can trigger many feelings, especially when the virus claims the life of someone close to you. If you experienced a loss this year because of this virus, some of the recommendations listed above will help you learn more about what you can do to work through this grief and find more direction as you attempt to work through the loss both now and in the future.
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