Amidst the global public health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19, there is also a psychological crisis that’s emerging as people grapple with stress, sadness and grief related to the loss of loved ones, as well as the loss of community engagement, economic security, safety and a sense of normalcy.
According to the American Psychological Association, it’s important to “name and claim” this grief, whether it’s through journaling, having a conversation with a family member or a phone call with a mental health professional. Though it may be difficult, grieving is natural and useful, and can help us process the situation. Grief is lonely and isolating to begin with, and not being able to connect physically to mourn these losses can make it harder to process.
“We are navigating unprecedented change during this pandemic, and that can lead to uncertainty and instability in our mental health,” said BCHD’s Chief Programs Officer Kerianne Lawson, a licensed clinical social worker. “It’s ok to not be ok right now – but what’s important is that you stay connected and express these feelings to your support network, whether that’s a friend, family member or a mental health professional. Maintaining social connection while physical distancing can be critical in helping us move through grief, rather than get stuck in it.”
For those experiencing the double trauma of the death of a loved one and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s especially important to use virtual tools to stay connected to a support system. While a video conference can’t replace the connection of an in-person support group, it can help process the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
While it may be uncomfortable to talk about death and dying, no matter the circumstances, the current situation is an opportunity to reflect on advance care planning for you and your family, no matter your age or health status. This planning process provides a structured opportunity to determine the type of care you would want if you are unable to speak for yourself and allows you to make decisions based on your personal values, preferences and discussions with your loved ones.
To get started, follow these four easy steps from the Providence Institute for Human Caring:
THINK about your values, goals and care preferences
TALK to your loved ones and care providers about your care preferences
CHOOSE an advocate to make health care decisions for your when you are unable to speak for yourself
COMPLETE an advance directive, and give a copy of it to your advocate, loved ones, provider and hospital of choice
While these are uncertain times, having honest and open discussions about end of life care and advance care planning will bring certainty for your family in the future, and prevent them from encountering unnecessary burdens that can occur when important issues are unaddressed.
Bereavement Resources and Advance Care Planning during COVID-19:
Due to the evolving circumstances, if you are unable to access one of the resources listed below, please contact BCHD’s Assistance, Information & Referrals line at the number below.
Beach Cities Health District: Call BCHD’s Assistance, Information & Referrals line for questions related to bereavement and advance care planning. Call 310-374-3426, ext. 256 or submit an online request here.
www.bchd.org/resources
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health: The 24/7 Access Line, 800-854-7771, provides mental health support, resources and referrals.
The Gathering Place at Providence: A center for loss and life transitions, offering support to those in the community who have suffered the death of a loved one from any cause.
Alzheimer’s Association: General support as well as bereavement services and resources 24/7, 800-272-3900.
Providence Institute for Human Caring: The Institute is working to encourage patients to talk with their doctors and families about what kind of care they want through the end of life.
UCLA Health: UCLA Health explains your right to make healthcare decisions and how you can plan what should be done if you can't speak for yourself.
H.E.L.P.: H.E.L.P. empowers families and caregivers to make better choices through
healthcare, legal and financial services.
POLST – Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment: POLST is a form that gives
patients more control over their end-of-life care. POLST can prevent unwanted or ineffective treatments and ensure that a patient’s wishes are honored.
The Conversation Project: The Conversation Project is dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. It’s not easy to talk about how you want the end of your life to be, but it’s one of the most important conversations you can have with your loved ones.
National Institute on Aging: The National Institute on Aging provides resources on how to provide physical, emotional and spiritual comfort when caring for loved ones.
Examples of Advance Directive & Other Forms:
UCLA Health, Advance Directive
Providence Little Company of Mary, Advance Directive
Torrance Memorial, Advance Directive
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), California Advance Directive
H.E.L.P. Organization, Appointing an Agent to Make Healthcare Decisions
