Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service


Grief and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic could be one of the most difficult situations that many people have experienced.

Suddenly life has become

  • Uncertain
  • Stressful
  • Changed

Many of us are

  • Shocked
  • Anxious
  • Isolated
  • Helpless
  • Having upsetting thoughts
  • Worried
  • Lonely
  • Overwhelmed

If you have been bereaved, perhaps

  • You could not be with your loved one during their illness or when they died?
  • You are struggling with thoughts that you should have done more?
  • The funeral was very different from what you expected or are familiar with?
  • The Shiva was not possible or only on-line?
  • You have been unable to say Kaddish in shul?
  • Your loved one was elderly or vulnerable?
  • Your loved one died before COVID, and you find old grief reawakened?
  • Your loved one died recently, but not of COVID?
  • Your family and friends are unable to support you because of the demands of COVID on their lives, or the need to be COVID secure?

Try to take care of yourself

  • Try if you can to stay connected with family and friends
  • Try if you can to look after your health. Eat and drink. Try to exercise and sleep.
  • Try to avoid the news if it makes you more anxious.
  • Try to talk. We know this helps. Tell people what you need.

If you would like to consider counselling, either one to one, or with a group of others with similar losses, contact the Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service. All sessions are available online or by telephone.