Anticipatory Grief During a Pandemic

Post by Maureen Pollard, MSW, RSW

It is 2020 and the world is gripped by a relentless pandemic. The news is filled with rising
numbers of confirmed cases, frightening death tolls and slowly increasing numbers of recovered
patients. People are facing orders to stay at home except for essential business to help slow the
spread of covid-19. Read More

Lake in a forest

When You Can’t Be There As a Loved One Dies

Post by Maureen Pollard, MSW, RSW

There are times when we have some warning that a loved one is dying. We can change our
agendas and make travel plans in order to be present at the death or in their last days. Other
times, it simply isn’t possible. If death comes swiftly and unexpectedly, we are left with a much
different set of regrets and feelings of distress than if we are able to show our love with our
presence.

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Thinking About Death and Dying

Post by Maureen Pollard, MSW, RSW

Though everyone eventually dies, it can be difficult to think about death and dying and many of
us avoid it as we go about our every day lives. During the pandemic, as communities all over
the world cope with the spread of covid-19, death may be much more present in your thoughts.
As the death toll rises around the globe, it becomes more impossible to deny the inevitability of
death. This can raise anxiety and create a sense of hopelessness.

In this moment, perhaps we can set aside our fears and consider some important thoughts. Read More