You are not alone.
A Way for Hope
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • About
  • Publications
  • Recommended
  • Support

Grief and Anxiety in the Age of Isolation

3/19/2020

 
Picture
by Jan McDaniel

The new strain of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has ushered in a new and unfamiliar age of grief and anxiety to most, if not all, of us, worldwide. For those who are already grieving a significant loss, the extra burdens of worry, fear, and social isolation can make that more difficult. For others, the shock and unaccustomed lifestyle changes required might  be debilitating. All of us may experience substantial issues surrounding our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

In a way, grief is grief. Loss is loss. The loss that is most important to an individual, however, is the one that person experiences. As we join together to endure what we must, there are a few concepts and actions that could help us make it through.
  • Be kind. It makes a difference. If we keep that in mind - and I have already seen many instances where that is happening - we have an aid in staying calm, thinking clearly, and preparing the best we can.
  • Look for ways to cope. Coping with pain is possible through strategies that include deep breathing techniques; exercise (natural endorphins); online support groups; positive self-talk; and more. 
  • Cooperate. The hardships of quarantine can be eased a bit by understanding, accepting, and calming behaviors.  Meditation, prayer, yoga, distraction, and other modalities are really effective treatments.
  • Realize your power. This is particularly important. Read this article for more on this topic as well as access to an amazingly helpful online resource with other useful articles.  https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/coronavirus-anxiety.htm 
  • Use common sense. Education about common sense ways to protect your health using time-tested remedies, herbs, and teas are plentiful online. But be careful - very careful - in what you choose to employ. First, take an oath as doctors have, to do no harm. For example, adding vegetables, chicken soup, and green tea to your diet is often helpful in keeping immunity strong, but don't try or purchase questionable advice or products. 
  • Nurture normalcy. Busy yourself with finding what works for you and your family. Set up supplies and menu plans. Play with your children. Keep in touch with loved ones and friends through technology. Plant a garden, if you can.
This age will last as long as it lasts. Showing weakness and worry is human. So is surviving. 

Comments are closed.

      Subscribe

    Subscribe to Newsletter

    Enya - Only Time 


    From the Garden

    Picture
    Connection heals. Reach out to friends or family members. Talking over a cup of coffee, going out for lunch, meeting for a walk or just spending time together can lift your spirit and bless others as well.

    Sample Posts by Topic:
    Finding purpose
    ​Helping children grieve
    Formula for healing
    ​
    Healing Meditation
    Tears
    ​Changes
    Understanding
    Acceptance
    ​Books on grief and healing

    Please read my
    Disclaimer


    Links of Value:

    Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors

    National Alliance on Mental Illness

    Peaceful Scriptures

    Word of God

    ​"My Story" Big Daddy Weave 
    o

    "Hope in Front of Me"
    Danny Gokey


    The Joy FM

    Traumatic Loss

    Traumatic loss or preexisting conditions can worsen mental health. Use this info graphic to find help.

    "Take Charge of Your Mental Health" - a free download from www.nami.org:
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.