Ty Howard
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In days of uncertainty and anxiety when the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affects many people worldwide, many of us are facing illness and loss.
Even with self-isolation and social distancing becoming commonplace in recent months, people are still getting sick and dying from COVID-19. In a crisis like this one, it is natural to feel anxious, concerned, and afraid; we all do. No matter how much we have learned about the virus so far, we cannot be prepared if someone close to us or ourselves get sick.
To maintain good mental health, we need to learn effective coping strategies. Here are four methods that will help you cope with illness and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. These strategies should protect your mental health in the event of the sudden illness or death of a close person or the sudden illness of self.
The Sudden Illness of Others: Take Care of Your Mental Health
Anxiety occurs as a natural response to stress. The primary purpose of this response is to protect you against stress. However, excessive anxiety can destabilize your constructive responses to stress and damage your health and well-being. Coping with this whole situation can be a great challenge. But learning that someone you love got sick can only make the situation worse.
Whether it is a partner, family member, friend, co-worker, or church member, the sudden illness of someone we feel close to almost always leaves us terrified. But after the stage of initial shock and disbelief, you will begin accepting the reality and come to terms with a person's illness.
While you cannot prepare for a close person's sudden illness, it might help to learn some coping strategies. Whether it is an illness due to COVID-19 or a health condition with nothing to do with the coronavirus, self-care can help handle the situation and protect your well-being.
Self-care is one of the pillars of well-being. Regular exercise, relaxation techniques, good sleep, and a healthy diet can protect you against stress, anxiety, and depression and help promote feelings of calm and well-being. Spend time in nature and practice mindfulness meditation. Studies show that these healthy habits can boost your immune system, help overcome negative thoughts, and increase your optimism.
The Sudden Illness of Self: Join a Support Group
Coming to terms with your own illness can be very difficult, especially if it's a sudden condition such as COVID-19 infection. Even though you may feel shocked and horrified, you should try to stay calm and care for your mental health.
To better deal with your sudden illness and try to keep your spirits high, join a support group, or surround yourself with people with the same disease. Many online COVID-19 groups provide support to the coronavirus sufferers and their families.
Remember that while you may feel utterly alone, there are millions of people dealing with this and other illnesses, so exchanging your experiences with some of them can provide some encouragement and hope.
Coping with Loss and Death: Understanding Trauma
Death of a loved one is life's most stressful event that often causes trauma. Knowing what to expect when death takes place is an important part of dealing with your loss. Therefore, learning about grief and trauma can help your process your experience and come to terms with the loss.
When you lose someone you love, whether it is due to COVID-19 or an unrelated illness, you may experience a wide range of emotions, especially if the death is sudden. Remember that there is no real order or rules to the grieving process, and it is natural to go through whatever feelings you are experiencing.
Grieving a loss of a family member during the pandemic is especially challenging. Processing your loss while coping with anxiety related to the COVID-19 can be overwhelming, regardless or not the loved one's death was due to COVID-19 or not.
Understanding trauma can equip you with more reliable coping mechanisms and help you adjust to the loss.
To learn more about coping with loss and death during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit:
- HelpGuide: How to Cope with Traumatic Events like Coronavirus
Staying Connected to Your Faith
Although the current situation may be very challenging, try not to lose your spirits. Stay connected to your faith and belief in a High Power. Remember that social distancing doesn’t mean that you should isolate yourself from the world during these difficult times. Make sure to stay cautious and safe in your habits and day-to-day behavior. However, stay connected with family, friends, and your community because these social support circles can help you with your mental grit and stability through it all.
Summary
Many of us are experiencing grief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadness, anxiety, and depression are normal responses to traumatic events. Whether it is drastic changes to your day-to-day habits, an illness, or loss of life, it is natural to experience shock and denial, distress, changes in sleep and appetite, anger, anxiety, and sadness.
We all cope with losses in different ways. If you need help dealing with loss, don't hesitate to seek help. Remember that we're all in this together, and while isolated, we should stay connected to share experiences and extend support.
Hello! What is one way you've coped with illness or loss during the COVID-19 pandemic? Our MOTIVATION Readers would love to read about and learn from you on this topic, too. Please feel free to share your experience and input by commenting below. Thank you in advance for sharing.
About the Author: Ty Howard,
Founder, CEO and Editor in Chief of MOTIVATION magazine
Ty Howard is an organizational development consultant and executive and manager development coach. He's an internationally recognized authority on personal, professional, relationships and success habits development. He is the creator and lead facilitator of the trademarked Untie the Knots® Process, and the author of the best-selling book Untie the Knots® That Tie Up Your Life: A Practical Guide to Freeing Yourself from Toxic Habits, Choices, People, and Relationships, as well as dozens of published articles on relationships, healthy habits development, empowerment and peak performance worldwide.
For information on the author click on the following link: Ty Howard.
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