Coping with the loss of a loved
one while social distancing
NATALIE MARKS, MD
COURIER LIFE, JUNE 19-25, 2020 25
Coping with the loss of a
loved one can be challenging
in the best of
times, but many people have
had to confront such challenges
at a time that is unlike
any other in modern history.
By the start of the second
full week of May 2020, the
World Health Organization
reported that roughly 279,000
people across the globe had
died from the novel coronavirus
COVID-19. Many of the
215 countries, areas or territories
that reported cases of
COVID-19 implemented social
distancing measures in
an effort to reduce the spread
of the virus.
While such efforts no
doubt saved lives, they also
left many people without
traditional means of grieving
their deceased loved
ones. For example, in March
the Church of England limited
the number of people
who could attend funerals
to immediate family members
only, while restrictions
on gatherings in the United
States made it diffi cult if not
impossible for more than 10
people to grieve together in
person.
The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention notes
that grief is a normal response
to losing a loved one.
In addition, the American
Psychological Association
says that research has shown
that social support can help
people recover from such
losses Though traditional
funerals and family gatherings
may not be possible as
the world responds to the
COVID-19 outbreak, those
who have lost loved ones can
embrace various strategies
to cope with their loss even
while stay-at-home orders remain
in place.
• Host calls with family
members and friends.
The videotelephone and chat
service Zoom has helped millions
of people stay connected
with loved ones while social
distancing. Schools and universities
even employed the
service when in-person classroom
sessions were canceled
to stop the spread of the virus.
The CDC recommends
grieving families employ
such technology to connect
with each other in the wake
of a loved one’s death.
• Share stories. Grieving
family members are urged
to share stories and pictures
much like they would during
wakes and funerals. Share
them during group conference
calls and/or via social
media, emails or other modern
modes of communications.
Connecting in such
ways can ensure no one is
forced to grieve alone.
• Seek support from
your community. The CDC
recommends seeking support
from faith-based organizations
or other trusted community
leaders and friends.
While in-person church services
may not be available,
many local religious leaders
have made themselves available
to congregants and even
non-congregants who may
need help grieving. Local
community organizations
may have grief counselors
available to help people cope
with loss.
• Take part in an activity
that meant something
to you and your deceased
loved one. The CDC notes
that doing something in memory
of a loved one can help
people cope. For example,
plant fl owers in honor of a deceased
parent with whom you
shared a love of gardening.
Confronting the loss
of a loved one during the
COVID-19 outbreak can be
challenging. But families can
still overcome this challenge
even if they cannot gather together
in person.
Wellness
Advanced
Aortic Aneurysm Center
The Vascular Institute of New York
Est. 1992
Dear Patients and Doctors
The Total Vascular Care Center
is Open Everyday
to continue serving New York Community’s
Vascular Needs.
We Also Offer TELEMEDICINE VISITS
via Smart Phone, Computer, Tablet.
Call for Appointment
718-438-3800
960 50th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219
www.VascularNYC.com
ENRICO ASCHER, MD
ELEANORA IADGAROVA, NP
ANIL HINGORANI, MD
/www.VascularNYC.com
/www.VascularNYC.com
