Blindsided by COVID-19 : Endeavoring Through Unexpected Death-Related Loss
I sat down with an inspired heart to share with you my work related to loss and grief through the filter of the COVID-19 pandemic . The deadly virus has contributed to worsening people ’ s medical conditions and has caused almost 4 million deaths around the globe , including more than 600,000 deaths in the United States . We all were urged to socially distance ourselves , work from home , and isolate ourselves . Thousands lost their jobs and their health , and many lost a loved one unexpectedly to COVID-19 . Such losses were often sudden and happened in isolation while “ shelter in place ” was required . Furthermore , mandated restrictions exacerbated already challenging times for the survivors , leaving family members to grieve in isolation .
Marcela Kepic , PhD , LPC , NCC , ACS , is an associate professor of practice at the University of Arizona . She is a Licensed Professional Counselors in the Arizona , New Jersey , Virginia , and the District of Columbia , as well as an Approved Clinical Supervisor . Her expertise is in human development across the life span . Her research agenda focuses on the life satisfaction and wellness of adults who experience loss and grief . Dr . Kepic is a member of several national and international professional organizations , contributes to peer-reviewed publications , and presents at national , international , and state conferences . She serves as a reviewer for a few peer-reviewed journals . She maintains her private practice and is a passionate educator , supervisor , and mentor . She may be reached at
marcikepic @ gmail . com .
Understanding loss , bereavement adjustment , and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic can inform LCMHCs on how to work effectively and support individuals in the aftermath of a crisis . In this article , I discuss grief and loss related to COVID-19 and its global impact on families and relationships , contemporary theories of loss and grief , and strategies for LCMHCs who are working with clients experiencing loss and grief . To read about the results from the qualitative research I did with eight individuals who experienced the unexpected loss of a loved one to COVID-19 , go to :
www . amhca . org / viewdocument / blindsided-by-covid-19-endeavoring .
COVID-19 IMPACT
Ashton Verdery , PhD , reports that each COVID-19 death affects approximately nine surviving family members . In 2020 , almost 3.5 million Americans died , with COVID-19 being the third leading cause of death , following heart disease and cancer (
https :// bit . ly / 3xscbt5 ). Any loss may present a significant challenge ; however , multiple losses make grief unbearable for many . For example , during the pandemic , many people who lost a loved one also were losing jobs , financial stability , daily routines , and social interactions , as well as leisure , spiritual , and religious connections . More abstract losses such as certainty , routine , and identity compounded losses that could not be shared because people needed to “ shelter in place ,” with even small-group gatherings strongly discouraged .
Those who experienced grief suddenly had no place to go ; they had no one to listen , no one to witness , no one to provide comfort . An essential human need for connection through family and cultural rituals in the time of loss was hijacked . The grief experienced in various forms could not be channeled in a typical way , leaving grieving people at extra-elevated risks for depression , anxiety , substance abuse , suicidality , and prolonged grief disorder . Social distancing and isolation contributed additional adverse implications for social and economic well-being .
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16 The Advocate Magazine Spring 2021 American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA )
www . amhca . org