With the COVID-19 Pandemic affecting each and every one of us differently we are looking at the different stages of COVID-19 grief and how to accept the new normal that we find ourselves in.
Stages of COVID-19 grief:
Denial: “The COVID-19 pandemic does not affect me.”
Anger: “The COVID-19 pandemic is imposing on my life and taking away my normal activities.”
Bargaining: “I will wear my mask and follow the guidelines and then everything will get better, right?”
Sadness: “I don’t know when the COVID-19 pandemic will end.”
Acceptance: “The COVID-19 pandemic is here; I have to live with it and figure out how to keep going.”
Steps to acceptance: 1. Check in with yourself
How are you currently feeling?
At what stage of COVID-19 grief are you? TIP: Do not compare yourself or your own situation to others who have it “worse”
2. Remind yourself that:
We are all in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and yes, it is hard!
Take everything day-by-day and do your best.
There are things you can do in the comfort of your own home that can help your feelings and thoughts.
3. Radical acceptance and moving forward:
When you accept the current situation that you are in, you can be honest about how you feel.
Accepting your situation allows you to focus on how you are going to respond to the situation.
Always focus on what you can control, follow the COVID-19 regulations and protocol’s, limit news intake, and most importantly self-care.
Daily guide to assist when you feel overwhelmed:
Sleep 8 hours.
Eat well and stay hydrated.
Exercise.
Self-care.
Limit news.
Follow COVID-19 regulations.
Check in with someone supportive.
Make time for positivity and laughter.
How to stay optimistic:
Set goals for yourself.
Try to find the positive in a negative situation.
Practice gratitude.
Connect with positive and supportive family, friends and colleagues.
Do an end of day check-in and ask yourself: “what positive outcome can I take from today?”
EOHCB
