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    Sep 11
    Blog: Grief in the Time of COVID

    The loss of a someone close to you in a time of so much upheaval is particularly difficult, especially if you are in quarantine. While some moments of being alone can help you process your feelings, too much isolation can be detrimental to your ability to move through your grief to heal.

    “Grief needs to be witnessed,” says Licensed Mental Health Counselor Jean Malone. “Healing begins through sharing that pain out loud, to be heard and recognized and validated.” GRIEF SUPPORT

    People who have lost loved ones during this pandemic often miss the support of family and friends being around them so they can grieve together. In some cases, they could not be with their loved one while they were ill and could only be close to them virtually during those final moments through FaceTime or other technology. 

    Funeral services are smaller today, to protect friends and family from potential COVID-19 exposure. Some people are really struggling with that, feeling as if they are dishonoring their loved one by not doing more to honor them. This added layer of regret and guilt exacerbates the grief, even though none of it is their fault. 
     
    “Be gentle with yourself,” Jean says. “People tend to be hard on themselves, thinking they aren’t doing things right or should be ‘holding up better.’ Give yourself a break. Grief is hard enough. It’s more important to focus on how you are than how you ‘should’ be. That’s why it is so important to look for comfort and support.”

    Jean hosts an online Grief Support Group on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 6 to 7 PM. The group offers support for adults who have lost a loved one or someone close to them. The group discusses various topics involving grief, with time for participants to share whatever is on their mind about their loss. To receive the virtual meeting invitation, please call 518-886-5210.

    For additional resources on grief and other behavioral and mental health concerns, talk with your doctor and visit our website to learn about our Behavioral and Mental Health services.