Death and Grief During a Pandemic

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.

Jessica M – A Parking Lot Memorial

Jessica shares how her family gathered after her uncle died during COVID and how her family came up with a creative way of getting together in a parking lot.

Corrie – Pandemic of grief

Corrie discusses how much grief there is

Karyn and Aidan – The what if game and guilt

Karyn and Aidan explain how they have dealt with guilt

Maureen – “Grief doesn’t stop, even when the outside world is in crisis”

Maureen gives suggestions about how you can help people in grief

Jean – What grief feels like physically

Jean discusses the physical effects she has experienced in grief

Jean – Coping

Jean shares how coping can be complicated

Lynda – “Same storm different boat”

Lynda discusses how grief is universal yet unique to everyone

Karyn and Aidan – Support.

Karyn and Aidan discuss how much the support they received helped

Kim – You can get through this

Kim talks about the difference between her Dad and her Mum’s death

Lynda – ‘Pandemic and triggers”

Lynda discusses how hard it is during the pandemic to avoid triggers

Zoreena – My Story

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