Your Low-Stress Guide to Leveling-Up Your Bedtime Routine
Are You Burnt Out or Depressed?
During the few days Bianca was in the hospital, the two video-chatted several times.
I kept telling her to hold on and be strong, Hough says.
She asked me if I would adopt her dogs, Hough says.
That was her dying wish.
There was nothing fair about this loss.
clinical psychologist and grief counselor living in Seattle, Washington
Its unfair someone so young died so suddenly.
Its unfair Hough couldnt squeeze her friends hand or hug her goodbye.
And its unfair there couldnt be a proper funeral.
Instead, Hough was present at her friends cremation.
What makes coping with loss during COVID-19 even more difficult
Losing a loved one is never easy.
After Bianca died, Hough started to feel extreme anxiety, to the point where she was havinganxiety attacks.
I just couldnt lose [a second] person to this virus, she says.
While I could have WhatsApp-ed or Zoom-ed them, it didnt really feel right.
I wasnt in the right headspace to take to anyone.
clinical psychologist and grief counselor living in Seattle, Washington
Alina Rubezhova
Alina Rubezhova, who is 30 and lives in New Jersey, is also grieving alone.
For Oluwole, it was video-chatting with her family members about the memories they had of their grandmother.
It was really helpful.
She also says that she has been prioritizingself-care.
I take really long showers and make the bathroom nice with lots of candles, she says.
Being able to talk to someone who went through a similar experience has been really helpful, she says.
She often advises clients to write a letter, either to their loved one who died or to themselves.
Grief expertNancy Howard Cobb, author ofIn Lieu of Flowers,recommends letter-writing, too.
Theres something very emotional about the physical act of it, she says.
Our culture tends to sanitize death and grief to the point where were afraid to even talk about it.
But theres no right or wrong thing to say in these letters.
Whats most important is that you dont feel alone, because youre not.
Even if you cant be together with loved ones right now, you are not alone in your grief.
Its important to remember that.
Gross says it can also be helpful to tell trusted loved ones about your loss.
And if theres anything you need, dont be shy about asking.
She adds that friends often want to help but simply dont know how.
While theres no shortcut to healing, both Cobb and Dr.
Gross say its helpful to lean into things that provide at least temporary joy.
Simple joys play a big role in the grieving process.
Ive heard so many similar stories from people.
Unfortunately, its an experience many are going through right now.
Whats most important is that you dont feel alone, because youre not, Cobb says.
Even if you cant be together with loved ones right now, you are not alone in your grief.
Its important to remember that.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
