Prolonged Grief Disorder and Covid-19 deaths

Psychiatrists warn that the unique challenges dealing deaths from Covid-19 could lead to a condition known as prolonged grief disorder.

Grief usually eases over time as people adapt to life without their loved one, however, about 10% of bereaved individuals develop prolonged grief disorder – severe, unrelenting grief that lasts for 6-months or more and makes it difficult to function.

 

Previous research found that people are more likely to develop prolonged grief disorder if a death is sudden and unexpected; they are experiencing other stressors or lack social support, all of which may be experienced when dealing with a death from Covid-19. 

 

Support with social distancing is difficult; often those grieving need comfort, a hug, and to talk to their family and friends which has not been possible for much of the past year. Additionally, factors such as not being able to say goodbye in person, restrictions on rituals like washing, kissing or viewing the body and limited numbers of people who can attend funerals may all affect the healing process.

 

Fortunately, there are effective treatments. Talking therapies such as complicated grief psychotherapy, for example, has been shown to reduce symptoms of the condition more effectively than antidepressants. Some have also found that joining online support groups have helped.

If you are struggling from a bereavement, whether from Covid-19 or not, and need someone to talk to – you are not alone.

We have partnered with Cruse bereavement and want you to know that they are there for you to offer bereavement support and advice. 

Cruse is the UK’s leading bereavement charity reaching over 100,000 people across the UK each year. They offer support, advice, and information to children, young people, and adults when someone dies and works to enhance society’s care of bereaved people. 

For immediate bereavement support contact their national helpline on 0808 808 1677   

 Children and young people can:

 

Olivia Wiles