It’s Been 5 Years Since COVID-19— Are You Still Grieving?

Do you remember where you were when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on March 11th 2020?

The world was never the same. Anxiety skyrocketed, isolation soared. Suffering and mistrust overtook humanity. We had no idea what was about to happen — all the grief we were about to face.

Five years later, and the impacts are still lingering. The scars our communities were left with are still very much visible, even though the worst of the pain and anguish has passed.

This global pain is called collective trauma. It’s an experience we - as a society - went through together, even though we all experienced it in very different ways.

For those who lost loved ones during the pandemic, grief can feel both overwhelming and isolating. All these years later, those wounds may still feel just as painful for you. Especially since many of us lost opportunities for traditional ways to say goodbye - like funeral ceremonies - due to the circumstances.

However, despite the whirlwind of challenges and pain — hope persists.

Healing begins when we name our pain and give space to our grief.

• Let yourself remember your loved one and honor them in the way you wish you could have 5 years ago.

• Connect with friends, family, or a therapist! Seek support from others who have also lost loved ones by joining a bereavement group.

• Participate in community groups that put forth good, like planting trees, helping animals, or cleaning the beach. These activities help us find purpose, feel connected, and shed some light that’s within our control when the world feels so bleak.

• Practice self-compassion. Recognize it’s okay to not have all the answers or to still be struggling. Small steps can make a big difference, whether it's finding a routine, staying active, or simply taking time for yourself.

Take a deep breath, and know that healing is possible.

You're not alone! If you or someone you know would benefit from talking to a therapist, contact the Herr-Era team.

It’s really only been 5 years — together, we can rebuild!