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Why Lockdown Feels Like A Bereavement

How are you coping with the lockdown? Are you starting to feel lonely now that you cannot see your nearest and dearest? This is entirely understandable, especially if you thrive off of the company of others or are not able to maintain relationships that you were very much committed to before COVID-19 hit.Because of this, lockdown feels like a bereavement for some people. Those who find comfort in seeing their loved ones can no longer see them at a time that they need their company the most. In this article, I am going to depict why lockdown can feel like you have lost, as well as how you can lessen this feeling for you and your loved ones.

What Is Bereavement?

Bereavement is the term given to being deprived of the company of those closest to you. Whether that's through death, separation or in this case, lockdown. You are no longer able to spend time with that person, something that you cherished doing before you were unable.

Why Do You Feel As Though You Have Lost Something?

The main reason behind lockdown feeling like a bereavement is because you're not used to the circumstances. Usually, you will probably visit your close ones on several occasions during the week, but now, you are confined to your own space that limits everything that you do.Yes, lockdown rules are lifting somewhat, but if you're purposefully isolating yourself because you're at high risk or those who you usually see are, it could be a while until normality of visiting those you love is normal and acceptable. Because of this, you're not acquiring that same level of socialisation that you looked forward to, which will cause you to miss them.Missing someone that you know you can see is different from missing someone who you know is essentially off-bounds. If you cannot see them, it's hard to come to terms with that, as opposed to having the luxury of popping over when you feel like it. Your rights are being taken away, and if you almost used their company as an escape from your thoughts and reality, it can take a massive toll on your mental health.We all have those friends and family members that are there for you when you need it most. And during such an uncertain and uneasy time, not having their company can make coping very much a struggle. This is why it is imperative to stay connected with one another and focus on ways in which you can replace these 'needing' emotions.

How To Cope With Your Loss

The first and most obvious way in which you can cope with this feeling of loss is through staying connected. Yes, this may be obvious, but it’s also natural for you to feel as though you're pestering your loved ones, causing you to hold back from contacting them regularly. However, in most cases, they will be feeling the same. A certain level of detachment is never one-sided; if you think that video calls, texting and phoning them will satisfy that need to see them to a certain degree, then it should be a no brainer. On the other hand, it is important that you don't always depend on them. Like you, they could be going through a tough time and depending on them to bring you joy and happiness can cause them to focus on your wellbeing over theirs. A healthy amount of contact is always beneficial, but it is crucial that you find other ways to bring you comfort and happiness too.For instance, learning new skills, hobbies or learning about yourself can all help you through these negative thoughts and emotions. Instead of focusing on what you can't do, focus on what you can. It's essential to find ways to make yourself happy. By depending on others, you will never be entirely satisfied with being alone, and this can eventually stem into worse conditions such as depression.

How I Can Help?

If you're having withdrawal symptoms from those closest to you, sometimes talking to anyone can help. As a professional counsellor in the North West, I am well aware of how to listen, interpret and guide my clients to a healthier mindset. If you feel lonely and like you're grieving for those who you cannot access, counselling can help you to distinguish the reason behind your dependence, as well as establish ways in which you can process the current situation, and deal with it so that post-lockdown, you will be ready to return to normality.Not only that, but a counsellor will guide you into finding other ways to make you happy so that your relationships aren't affected due to your current emotions. If you'd like further information on how my services can positively impact the way that you feel during the lockdown, please don't hesitate to contact me on 07914952723 or via my email on therapy@liddycarver.co.uk.As an experienced counsellor with over ten years in the field, I have the skills and expertise to thoroughly dive deep into your thoughts and emotions and find you a way to cope and manage them so that your mental health is looked after.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]