During the global coronavirus pandemic, we have been facing a tragic loss of life, often under very difficult circumstances. We’ve been separated from loved ones, working in close quarters with family members and for some of us losing those we care about far too soon. Being bereaved can be a lonely time, and isolation due to the current situation can make it more difficult.

What is Grief?

Grief is the response to loss, particularly to the loss of someone, to which a bond or affection was formed. https://bit.ly/2VKhg2O Grief can be difficult and stressful and nearly everybody goes through it at some point in their lives. Despite this, it can be very difficult to predict how we might react to a loss, as it is a very individual process.

Often, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness. The pain of grief can also disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight. These are normal reactions to loss—and the more significant the loss, the more intense your grief will be.

After a loss you may experience any of the following:

• Sadness or depression
• Shock, denial, or disbelief
• Numbness and denial
• Panic and confusion
• Anger or hostility
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Relief
• Mixed feelings

Grieving is a highly individual experience; there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. How you grieve depends on many factors, including your personality and coping style, your life experience, your faith, and how significant the loss was to you. Some people seek help immediately by showing their emotions and talking to people, others prefer to deal with things slowly, quietly or by themselves.

It’s important if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms that you reach out and ask for help. AWARE our Charity Partner, is the national organisation providing free support, education, and information services to those impacted by anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and related mood conditions.

When we polled our employees in 2020 on the charity partner to pick AWARE was the overwhelming first preference. We believe, in part this is because the awareness of the importance of mental health has become more prominent during the pandemic and the associated de-stigmatisation of seeking help for mental health issues.

So, if you’re experiencing grief do reach out and avail of AWARE’s free support services via: www.aware.ie

If someone you know is experiencing Grief, you can support AWARE’s great work by donating via: https://mckesson.blackbaud-sites.com/united-drug

Here are some additional ways to cope with grief and this should not be taken in replacement for highly qualified medical care and support: https://bit.ly/37yH84l

1. Acknowledge your pain.
2. Accept that grief can trigger many different and unexpected emotions.
3. Understand that your grieving process will be unique to you.
4. Seek out face-to-face support from people who care about you.
5. Support yourself emotionally by taking care of yourself physically.
6. Recognise the difference between grief and depression.

As we slowly emerge from the pandemic, the place for hope is critical in trying to make sense of the losses, forced adaptations, fundamental changes in our lives we have witnessed in our lives since the pandemic began.

To read more about grief from our charity partner Aware click the link below.

https://www.aware.ie/thinking-about-grief-depression-and-other-mood-related-conditions/

To Donate: https://mckesson.blackbaud-sites.com/united-drug

Need Support Freephone 1800 80 48 48