Coronavirus has meant that everyone has spent less time with their family, friends and loved ones. This has made grieving during the pandemic all the more difficult. Barnsley Municipal Funerals have created this guide to help cope with bereavement while observing all of the rules and regulations in place.
How to manage grief while cut off from family and friends?
Family and friends may not be able to be with you in person at the moment, but this does not mean you cannot talk to loved ones about how you are all feeling about the loss of a loved one.
Technology has a huge role to play in this and gives us all a fantastic way to stay in touch. Platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Goole Meet have come into their own during the pandemic.
If you feel a little overwhelmed by using technology there are some great guides on the internet that can help you feel more comfortable. Check out the video below for a brilliant Zoom tutorial.
Try arranging a set time each day to make contact with someone. If you would normally just phone, try using, Zoom, Facetime or another video messaging app instead. Actually seeing the people you care about may help you to feel less isolated and more connected to them.
Keep making time for yourself while grieving during the pandemic
It is often the case that people who are grieving during the pandemic or looking after someone who has recently been bereaved, forget to take care of themselves.
It is incredibly important that you do make time for yourself, and stick to as much of a routine as you can. Write a schedule down and stick it to the fridge. This could help to give you a focus during those tough moments.
Start the day by getting up at the same time as you normally would. Have some breakfast and then try exercise each day - even if that is just walking around the garden or local park. If the weather is bad you can again use the internet to your advantage. There are many fantastic exercise channels that will suit all levels of fitness and mobility. We have listed a couple of options below.
As we enter Spring it is a great time to get out in the garden, weeding or planting new flowers can help you to feel like you have accomplished something and provide a welcome distraction.
As we have already touched on, you should always ask for help in those challenging moments. Talk to family, friends, or a charity if you feel that you need more help.
There are some superb resources and communities available online. Take a look at the options below.
Ask for practical support from others
The coronavirus pandemic has left people feeling that they cannot ask for practical help and support. This is simply not true. If you are unable to get your essential jobs done, there is nothing wrong with asking your support bubble for help.
Family and friends can help with cooking meals, shopping, and as long as you social-distance, you can still have help with keeping your house clean.
If you are shielding or in a more vulnerable group, and do not have family or friends who can help you, there are volunteers who can help you with things like your shopping, collecting medication and making meals for you.
The link below may help you find someone in the Barnsley area who can help.
How can I look after someone who is grieving during the pandemic?
If you are trying to support someone who has been bereaved during the pandemic then you must remember that all of the above applies to you too!
Remember that whilst you may not be able to physically see the person you are supporting it is always worth just making contact. Even if you do not quite know what to say, a simple conversation about the weather or what’s on TV will help.
If you can offer any help with practical tasks such as shopping or meals then let them know. If not, just arranging a time to phone or video call can allow you to get a better idea of how your loved one is coping.
For more information on planning a funeral during the pandemic check out our guide. Alternatively, give us a call on 01226 496 111