‘Talking essential to minimise distress’

TALKING ABOUT grief is key to ensuring distress doesn’t intensify, mental health experts have said, as they urge communities in need of support to reach out.

Psychologists Dr Evgenia Stefanopoulou and Grace Bamber, from employee health and wellbeing specialists Rightsteps, have spoken of the need to talk about challenges. In a blog post, they discuss taking slow steps, and not focusing on what could have been done differently.

“Losing someone under the additional challenging circumstances of Covid-19 can leave people feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to cope,” said Dr Stefanopoulou. “Many are unable to grieve in the way they would expect during previous times. Sadly, people may not have the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one before they die.

“They may not be able to attend the funeral and others might be on their own, unable to have a hug from a friend.

“During the grieving process, there are many things we can do to look after our own and other people’s wellbeing. That includes speaking to a GP or mental health professional.”

It comes after the British Psychological Society called on care home providers to consider how they can support and residents who have may be experiencing significant concern.

Those in closer contact with individuals who have lost their lives through the pandemic may struggle in coming to terms with what has happened, they say, in a situation exacerbated by ongoing restrictions around face to face meetings and support.

Julie Bass, chief executive at Turning Point, said: “Many of us have been cut off from family and friends during the lockdown.

“Losing loved ones will add even more emotional trauma to an already distressing situation. We need to find successful ways to cope, make sure we take care of ourselves and deal with grief in the healthiest way.”