You probably are very aware of the anxiety you are feeling since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. What you may not be aware of is the other emotion that has been weighing heavily on most of us these days: grief.
Although grief is traditionally perceived as the emotion you experience at the loss of a loved one, it is actually a far more common feeling than you might expect. Waking up in the morning and looking in the mirror, you see a few new gray hairs, and sigh. This is a mini version of the emotion. Grief for the loss of youth. There are numerous losses we experiencing at this time: loss of personal freedom, loss of social interaction, loss of a our normal daily routine. And for cancer patients, there is the loss of access to the medical professionals in a way that has reassured them in the past.
Reach out to your fellow GISTers on GIST Chat. Seek support from family and friends. Verbally sharing your grief can help to stop it before it overwhelms you. Call the Life Raft Group, and we will help you find support. Please contact Angela Edson, MSW, Outreach & Engagement Associate at 973-837-9092 or aedson@liferaftgroup.org
Please know that we understand your grief, and that The Life Raft Group will continue to be here for you.
Read more about grief and how to manage your feelings:
Coping With Grief and Loss
How ‘Anticipatory Grief’ May Show Up During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Coronavirus Has Upended Our World. It’s OK To Grieve
Additional Resources:
