THE STAGES OF GRIEF GRIEVING PRE-COVID LIFE
There’s been a lot of focus on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and the global lockdown’s impact on the economy, but what about the widespread effect it will have on our mental health? Personally, I started to feel emotionally hypersensitive and physically off-balance recently. I was bombarded with erratic nonsensical thoughts and I abandoned some of my self-care rituals...I even found myself seeking salvation in the form of a sickly sweet pastry, extremely unusual behaviour! (Thank you, staff member, that brought in those delicious Nutella-filled donuts!) Imagine the impending mental health crisis we’ll be facing over the coming months if we don’t take preventative measures now.
The 5 Stages of Grief Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a psychiatrist who was best known for developing the 5 stages of dealing with grief demonstrates a model that may provide some understanding as to how we react to times of crisis. It’s a blueprint that we can utilise to facilitate growth from pain. The 5 stages of grief are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Denial Anger Depression Bargaining Acceptance
As an observer, I believe we have in general, experienced the shock (panic buying, hoarding) amongst the denial (those downplaying recommended behavioural guidelines) and anger (frustration from the inability to buy what you need, cancelled overseas trips, events, services...) The next stage is depression I’ve been seeing a lot of signs and symptoms of depression in practice lately. I wanted to reassure you that it’s okay if you’re experiencing depression and it’s also okay to feel: • Out of control because everything as
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you knew it has changed Lonely from being socially isolated for a prolonged period of time Bored that activities that you’re limited to lack meaning to you Stuck because you’re contained in the same four walls for days on end Insecure about your finances and other survival needs Overwhelmed from being busier than ever trying to simultaneously manage your work and family life Lost not knowing how long the uncertainty will last Depleted from lack of regular exercise and a healthy diet Unmotivated when there’s so much that needs to be done Not good enough because you can’t seem to achieve anything
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Helpless for others that are going through a hard time Hopeless about how things can get better
It’s perfectly normal to feel all of this and more. We are in the middle of a major global crisis after all. What I find people are struggling with is not knowing how to allow themselves the space to process their emotions in a healthy way. Some find it difficult to move past these emotional stages because they perceive them to be “negative” or may even judge them as “a sign of weakness”. Others feel determined that it’s their responsibility to stay “positive” or “strong” for the people around them no matter how much they’re struggling themselves. All of which can keep us in a holding pattern of grief.
