Connecting Patients: A different kind of grief in these times

Connecting Patients: A different kind of grief in these times

By
Dana Sparks

April 12, 2020

Grief is the natural reaction to loss. Grief is both a universal and a personal experience. Individual experiences of grief vary and are influenced by the nature of the loss.

During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic there has been and continues to be much loss. And different definitions of grief are being revealed. The Mayo Clinic Connect community is opening this conversation and inviting you join.

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Shared from a Mayo Clinic Connect Member/Mentor:

If you are like me, you might be feeling uncomfortable, unsteady in your daily activities, perhaps unable to pinpoint just why you feel “off”.

Our lives have been turned upside recently, and this might continue for the near future, but it is not permanent. How we relate to people has changed, how we spend our days is quieter [unless you have kids at home!], a nonchalant hug to a friend is not a good idea. Gatherings, like a meeting, a health club, a place of worship, a sports activity, even school, are but a temporary memory. We have had to become better versed in technology to stay connected, if we want to visit. Celebrations and memorials are on hold.

I was recently given this article, and it really makes sense to me! While my personality lends itself to social isolation, I still miss the occasional interaction with my fellow humans.
– That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief

What do you grieve in these times? How are you handling this discomfort/grief, what are you doing to minimize lasting effects?

"I keep thoughts at bay of the coronavirus, most of the time. They are both getting excellent medical care, and they need to stay right there until they are able to come home.
I have missed my Mayo Clinic Connect peeps so much. I will try to get back here as much as I can. We are a community that cares about each other."
- Mayo Clinic Connect Member

Stay connected virtually for your health on #MayoClinicConnect

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Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific understanding along with guidelines and recommendations may have changed since the original publication date.

Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for additional updates on COVID-19. For more information and all your COVID-19 coverage, go to the Mayo Clinic News Network and mayoclinic.org.