Being There: How to Show Support During the Pandemic

There are probably very limited things that we could name which was not changed by the pandemic. Even the faces of dying, death, mourning, and grief have changed.

If a person is suffering from coronavirus, family members cannot even stay right next to their loved ones during their dying moments. Some are at home, nervously waiting for updates, while others use the affordance of technology to be virtually next to their family members before they die.

Social distancing protocols have also changed the way people face the death of their loved ones. While it could have been comforting to have close friends and relatives in the wake, it is no longer possible. Funerals are banned, and a hug or shaking of hands is highly discouraged.

These traditions or rituals, which help families go through the first week of a loved one's death, have been taken away.

However, it is not only through these that people can offer support. During these trying times, "being there" does not necessarily mean physical presence, it could mean a thousand different ways.

Here are some of the ways to show support during this pandemic:

Be There Virtually

One way that has been a "normal" thing already is holding wakes and funerals virtually. 

According to experts, this is a good way to connect. Joining the call in an online memorial can make the person from the other end supported. What could make them feel better is if you don't just simply join the call, being there could also be by taking part in the sharing of stories or creating a playlist. 

During this time, no one is stopping us from becoming creative. That is why, creating a short video or a recording can also be a way to show your friends or relatives the support that they need. 

Offer Help; Whether A Physical Or A Virtual One

There are several ways to reach out and send help to people who just lost their loved ones. Some of these could be through gifts like restaurant gift cards, nonprofit donations, condolence cards, or gift baskets.

Virtual help may include offering to do virtual storytelling for the kids at night. 

Options on what to do right now are very limited. A person who intends to offer help can try anything for as long as it is clear and will not violate any social distancing protocol.

Strike Connecting Conversations

Talking things through might be difficult for people who are grieving. However, being there when they are ready to talk about it will be very important. Companionship can make things feel a little lighter for people who are grieving, that is why reaching out can be a good sign of support.

According to experts, another person's job when showing support is not to have the grief go away, instead, the person grieving should gee that they are heard. Although the intention when cheering up a person who lost a loved one is good, it might not always be helpful because they are not given the opportunity to talk about their grief openly.