COVID-19 bereavement can be a challenging bereavement
A bereavement from COVID-19 is likely to be a very challenging kind of bereavement for most people.
Because it is a challenging kind of bereavement, it is really important that people bereaved by COVID-19 are cared for and receive support, especially in the first days and weeks following their bereavement.
We know, from research, that early self-care, care from people immediately around us, and care from others too, can mean that it is easier, over time, to make a recovery, with good mental health.
We know, from the same research, that without early care, traumatically bereaved people are more likely to develop life-impairing illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A death from COVID-19 means:
- little time to prepare for a loved one’s death, following a period of illness that they suffered
- no time spent with a loved one before they died, due to infection risk
- inability to say goodbye after death during this time of pandemic, when normal gatherings are not possible safely
- people are grieving while often separated from loved ones who are also grieving but in other locations, as people are not moving around
- many practical challenges, for example if the person bereaved was previously receiving care from someone who died, or they have responsibilities to care for others or to continue working
- coping with a shocking bereavement at a time when the bereaved person, or others in their circle of family and friends, may also be ill with COVID-19.