Death and Grief During a Pandemic

Lynda – “Same storm different boat”

Lynda discusses how grief is universal yet unique to everyone

Maureen – “Permission to mourn”

Maureen explains about grief being valid and how important it is to look after yourself.

Marija – Types of Loss in a Pandemic

Marija explains how all of the losses we experience during a pandemic are compounded

Kim – Self care

Kim talks about looking after yourself and how much it helps. In particular be kind to yourself

Maureen – End stages during a pandemic

Maureen talks about the end stages of her father-in-law during the pandemic.

Andrea – Grieving during a pandemic

Andrea discusses the challenges of grieving during a pandemic

Jean – Be good to yourself

Jean shares about support and not being hard on yourself

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Special Days

When we are grieving, some days are more difficult than others. Grief comes in waves like the sea and can feel like an intertwining labyrinth of emotions. Birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates that are associated with our loved one who has died can contribute to more emotionally intense days which can be worsened through the anticipation and “what ifs” of the upcoming day. These difficult days can leave us feeling defeated and it can almost feel like we’ve taken two steps backward in our grieving process, but grief does not have a timeline, and these feelings of setbacks are opportunities for healing.

Zoreena – My Story

Zoreena talks about COVID and the loss of her father and a cousin

What I know about grief

The following are some things I know to be true about grief for me, based on my lived experience. Some of them may resonate with you as well. Grief is unique to the people experiencing it in each moment, so please take whatever makes sense to you from this share and leave whatever doesn’t.

Sarah K – Grieving in isolation

Sarah discusses isolation, being in grief during the pandemic and the importance of keeping connected

Andrea – Dealing with personal belongings

Andrea discusses dealing with her late husbands personal belongings and the need to purgees