Our new normal has greatly influenced us all these past few months in a variety of ways emotional, physical, and mental. There have been numerous losses and changes we have experienced as a society such as death of loved ones, restriction from the outside, loss of employment, loss of motivation, and financial stability to name a few. The pandemic has very much impacted our everyday actions, and in this case, one of the things that people feel is impossible to do in a time such as this, is have a proper grieving process of their losses. How do we grieve when so much is uncertain? How can I process my emotions in a healthy way while adhering to safety practices? These are questions that most people have asked themselves across these past few months and while some methods work for some more than others, there are still viable options out there for coping strategies such as:

Reflecting On Positive Memories

While this method may seem odd as most people do not find the concept of loss positive, it is in the reflection of what once was that brings positivity outward in a solemn situation. By looking back on positive memories and thinking about how you felt in those moments, and how they are not gone but rather live on through the connection held between you with your loss, this allows us to transform those negative emotions and thoughts into ones of hope. You may be wondering how exactly to do this and it can be done in a variety of ways such as looking at old photos and reminiscing to yourself or writing down all the emotions you feel when you think of it or even listening to songs that are reflective of your past and present experiences and letting the music move you can help with healthy grief processing.

Start or Join A Support Group

Although it might be intimidating to talk to others about something as personal as loss, it can help with feeling a sense of security and support during a sensitive and difficult time. Support groups do not always mean an organization based meeting of people or a club of some sorts, though those are wonderful options, they may not be for everyone; support groups can be found or made in any setting such as a virtual call with friends who have also lost their jobs or a group chat with family members who are also having a difficult time grieving the loss of other. Even the existence of internet chat rooms and message boards such as the popular site Reddit can include safe spaces for grieving and sharing common experiences. Feeling as though you are seen, supported, and not alone in this battle can make all the difference.

Find Comfort In Commonality

When experiencing loss, it feels as though a part of you is gone forever. While physically something or someone is technically gone, this does not mean that the memories and emotional connections made are. As mentioned previously, there are many methods to keeping these connections alive, but one method that is based in creativity can greatly help. This would be, finding something that was enjoyed or done prior to the loss and implementing it into your everyday life. An example of this would be, maybe your deceased spouse had a love for keeping and tending to succulents and to honor their memory you could buy their favorite succulent plant and tend to it just as they would. Although the person is not there, their actions that are being reflected through you, exudes the emotional and personal bond that exists between all realms.

We may not have the answers to every difficulty or problem that we encounter, and that is okay. Handling one’s composure and mental state is very important during a time where there is uncertainty at every avenue and even being able to do the little things like smiling at something you thought was funny or looking at an old picture fondly is a huge progression in the journey to healing. It is important to keep in mind that when all feels lost in the world, there is support, care, and love waiting for you in many different places.