When the World is stressed out; collectively grieving at the same time
By Kim Jones, MA, LPC on Thursday, April 9th, 2020 in Anxiety Counseling. No Comments
I feel the tension leaking out...
People’s opinions, doubts, fears; all trying to make sense of what is happening, daily changes, new information. We are on high alert processing, protecting and adjusting.
A 6 year-old, after having a meltdown, exclaims “I am mad at Covid-19!”
We are all frantically trying to absorb all the information, make necessary and immediate changes and cope the best we know how.
Underneath it all is a profound sense of loss. Grieving the multiple changes and losses that we are experiencing.
Anger is part of grieving.
Trying to make sense of what we don’t want to be true is part of grieving.
Denial is part of grieving.
Confusion is part of grieving.
Mourning and sadness is part of grieving.
What helps?
Take time to identify and share with someone what has changed for you since March 2020. List out losses and fears that have occupied your mind.
Reflect on how you are responding and notice the signs of a grief: denial, confusion, bargaining, anger/blame, sadness.
Make room to hear from your heart the normal emotional reactions of what you are experiencing. I call this “bubble time” where I block out all incoming information and get quiet. I need to check in on how I’m feeling in my body, thoughts and emotions. This allows for much needed care and validation. I pour out my heart in prayer and get anchored by surrendering my control moving to living moment by moment. This allows me to regain compassion and space for what others are experiencing.
Find something you are thankful for daily; this opens pathways in the brain so you can experience hope and joy amid coping and grieving.
We all may be universally experiencing Covid-19, but we are responding and grieving in unique and individual ways.
