What if what so many of us are currently are experiencing and perhaps do not recognize it—is GRIEF?

No one can argue that this past year has been like no other. For many, life has drastically changed. Some may claim for the better, while many others are struggling to keep their heads above the water. Nonetheless, everyone has experienced changes. A simple trip to the grocery store can feel cumbersome. Going to the bank, dentist, and hairstylist will forever be different. So many of the things that used to take a little effort now take twice as much, often leaving me feeling irritable and snarky.

Now, if I think going to the market is frustrating, I can’t imagine the effort and complexity of raising a school-aged child in these times while holding down a job and working from home! Or what it must be like to be an educator or healthcare worker! Heck, let’s face it, there are very few occupations that are not affected by this pandemic. It has impacted almost every corner of our lives. As much as we have tried to stay optimistic and hopeful that we’ll get through this together, the uncertainty is exhausting and unbearable at times.

Then added to this, there is the physical loss of life, health, careers, and relationships. Both because of the pandemic and other life circumstances.

Now when asked how grief is expressed, many would probably say sadness, depression, sorrow, or misery. And yes, all those are true. Yet what if sarcasm, judgment, cynicism, and jealousy could also be grief in disguise?