Support for those who lose loved ones

Help and support is being offered for people who lose a relative or friend in the coronavirus pandemic.

The British Psychological Society has published a document on helping one another to cope with death and grief.

It has also released two videos offering advice on using technology to speak to loved ones who are ill and planning a digital legacy.

The leaflet – ‘Supporting yourself and others: coping with death and grief during the COVID-19 pandemic’ – explains the thoughts and feelings that people are likely to experience after a loved one dies, and the changes in their behaviour that may result.

It discusses how to cope with bereavement, acknowledging that everyone deals with loss in their own way.

It also gives tips on what can help, including using digital technology to keep in touch with friends and family; allowing time and space to grieve; not rushing into decisions about possessions and personal effects; and trying to stick to a healthy diet and engage in some form of exercise.

Measures to contain the spread of coronavirus mean that many people are unable to say goodbye in person, so the BPS has also produced a video explaining how we can use technology to talk to ill loved ones who they are unable to visit.

A spokesperson for BPS said: “Losing a loved one under any circumstances is one of the most difficult emotional experiences that we go through, and it can be even tougher at a time when we have to self-isolate and socially distance from friends and family.”

For more visit www.bps. org.uk/