Shared Loss During COVID 19 COACH COVID 19

Shared Loss During COVID 19 COACH: COVID 19 ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH IS HERE TO OFFER SUPPORT

Common Losses in Life Cycle A Job Health Death of a Loved A Significant Relationship A home or having to move

What are Individuals Feeling During the COVID 19 Health Crisis? Many are feeling anxiety, depression and uncertainty about the future. The loss of social contacts, workplace colleagues and isolation are common to everyone during the pandemic. All are experiencing grief reactions during COVID 19. The loss could be a home, as significant break-up with a partner, a job, good health and the death of a loved one. COVID 19 is Shared Loss because everyone has experienced loss; our daily life has been altered. It limits our interactions with others, leisure and family activities.

How do these changes affect us : It changes how we see the world – we no longer feel safe. We may need to put our personal and professional goals on hold and are unable to relocate for a job or studies. We cannot travel to see family or pleasure. We may have added responsibilities such as; helping our children with online schooling, buying groceries for older parents & if we live alone feel isolated. Our daily life has changed, and this can create anxiety and fatigue

Processes of Grief 1. Accepting the reality of the loss 2. Focus on Working Through the Pain 3. Adjusting to Life without the person, or job or home 4. Maintaining Connection with the Deceased (memories, photos etc. ) 5. Staying in Touch with Colleagues from job and/or Community if we move 6. Moving On – staying connected with family, friends and seeking support

Normal & Complicated Grief Normal Grief is passing after a certain amount of time Complicated Grief – symptoms linger or get worse over time; intense sorrow, focus on little else but loved one’s death, inability to enjoy life or think only of loved one and may have thoughts of joining the deceased

COVID 19 is Ambiguous Loss The loss occurs without closure or understanding. It leaves the person searching for answers, and thus complicates and delays the grief. The mourning of a loved one during COVID 19 – who is in the hospital, you cannot see the person, comfort them or say goodbye. Families & Individuals may be experiencing many different losses, such as, health issues, lack of insurance, loss of housing, the security of a job, isolation from friends and families, educational expenses, loss of ceremonies, sports events and certain services – travel, hairdresser etc.

Processing Loss We must acknowledge our loss, the meaning of them & the impact (feared and actual) they have on our work and social life. We have lost the opportunity to see family members, friends, colleagues and often cannot travel or visit family out of town. There is a great deal of uncertainty about the future and we must celebrate what remains.

Coping with Loss & Moving Forward Increase our Self-Care Take a daily walk or sit outside for brief time or open a window & listen to the birds chirping Have a simple exercise routine – participate in a Zoom Yoga, Tai Chi or Stretching class Practice Mindfulness Meditation especially Loving Compassion Meditation Noted experts Tara Brach & Jack Kornfield provide free online guided meditations

COPING STRATEGIES Breathing Exercise – Sit in a chair and close your eyes and take a deep in- breath and counting to 10 as you exhale whenever you feel anxious or stressed. Limit news watching and choose shows that appeal to your interests. Consider doing a craft project or knitting a scarf using a simple pattern Follow a healthy diet and have follow schedule each day with breaks Be a member of your Library and join a virtual book club or game night Connect with family & friends by telephone, virtually and even by writing a letter to someone far away.

Help is Available Through COACH – COVID- 19 Assistance for Community Health The COACH Program offers free support to anyone during the pandemic It is free, confidential and anonymous We connect with individuals in-person (social distancing), by telephone or virtually We are here to listen COACH Counselors can refer individuals to links and resources they may need such as food pantries, community housing agencies and behavioral health services.

Contact COACH at CTstronger. org/coach COACH Counselors Family & Children’s Agency- Region 1 Sheila Hughes 203 -523 -5375 & Ana Guzman 203 -523 -5424 Valerie Boucard 203 -523 -5429 Mc. Call Center for Behavioral Health- Region 5 Robert Reier 860 -485 -3593; Robert Brannock 860 -480 -4233 Wheeler Clinic- Region 4 Madeline Trinidad 860 -384 -3274

COACH Counselors Bridges Health Care- Region 2 Alloir Gordon 860 -931 -9934 United Services Mental Health Services – Region 3 Xochitl Mauricio 860 -456 -2261 x 4572 Rebecca Teczar 860 -456 -2261 x 4572 Please contact us if you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed during this pandemic. We are here for you and want to help and offer support.

Resources Yale School of Medicine Experiencing COVID-19 Related Stress Steven Maran, M. S. W, PHD Dr. W. J. Worden Psychologist – author Four Tasks of Mourning Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, Professor of Medicine University of Massachusetts (Founder of Stress Reduction Clinic & the Center for Mindfulness Meditation Dr. E. Kubler-Ross psychiatrist & author On Death on Dying/Stages of Grief Dr. Segal, Dr. Williams & Dr. Teasdale – developed Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy