Grieving the loss of a loved one during the coronavirus pandemic. You might be angry, frustrated or upset not to have had the chance to say goodbye in person, or to be there when your loved one passed. Their death was possibly sudden, so you might feel overwhelmed and unprepared. Perhaps you feel isolated from your normal support networks, and found the funeral service especially hard given restrictions that may have been in place. Dealing with the loss of a loved one at any time is distressing. Losing someone during the coronavirus pandemic, whether to COVID-19 or to other causes, will bring additional challenges. Here, we look at things you can do help cope with grief over the loss of a loved one during this difficult time.  Grief in an uncertain time

It’s normal for feelings of grief over a bereavement to be more pronounced when coupled with the uncertainty caused by an event such as the coronavirus pandemic. They may also be accompanied by feelings of frustration or anger. Losing a loved one to suicide

Grief in response to suicide can be particularly intense and complicated. The Counseling Network has information about managing your mental health and what to expect in the event that you have lost a loved one to suicide.

If you have lost someone to or during COVID-19:

Remember that grief is a natural and ongoing response to loss. It can be more pronounced in uncertain times such as these. Try not to be afraid of any emotion you experience.

Grieve your way. No-one can tell you how to feel.

Stay connected. Seek support from people you trust .

Say goodbye. Find quiet time to be alone and say goodbye to your loved one in your own way.

Understand that a funeral during COVID-19 may be different. Try to focus on what you can control.

Be prepared. There will be events and moments in future that will trigger your memories and sadness.

Understand that you will heal. In time you will learn to live with your loss, heal and move forward in new and different ways.